Palmerston North District Court. Photo: RNZ/Ana Tovey
Three men with gang affiliations have been arrested in Feilding after being stopped in the early hours of the morning with a carload of firearms and ammunition.
Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said police had invoked new powers under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, which came into force in April, allowing them to search suspected gang members and their vehicles during "times of conflict".
"We intend to use them prudently."
Tension and violence in the region has escalated over the last few days, culminating in the fatal shooting of a man in Palmerston North on Sunday, following a violent brawl in the central city on Friday.
The three men arrested in Feilding around 3.20am today will appear before the Palmerston North District Court "facing a variety of charges", Grantham said.
Extra staff had been brought into the area and were providing "high-visibility reassurance patrols".
"Our community can expect to see police continuing to respond to any unlawful behaviour by anyone who believes that they are above the law.
"We are sending a clear message to all gangs and the wider community that police do not tolerate unlawful behaviour and will work hard to hold people to account."
People can report any incident in which their safety or that of others is at risk by calling 111 immediately, or to share information about previous incidents, calling 105.