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Eight Bay of Plenty schools were closed today due to fears of gang violence breaking out after the killing of a prominent Mongrel Mob Barbarians member over the weekend.
Steven Taiatini died after an incident on Saint John St in Ōpōtiki on Friday night, leading to a large gang and police presence in the town.
Ōpōtiki,Primary School principal Tony Howe says it was decided to close the school for two days after so few students showed up yesterday.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Acting Area Commander Tristan Murray says the police did not tell schools to close, but he understands why they have.