Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Police have used special powers to arrest a number of gang members in Wairoa.
The Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act allows police to apply for special search warrant powers during times of gang conflict.
Eastern District Police sought the gang conflict warrant after a house was shot at and cars were set on fire on Grey Street on 10 September.
Acting Tai Rāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said while the special warrant was in place, police stopped 15 vehicles and five gang members were arrested as a result.
The gang members, who were both Black Power and Mongrel Mob, were charged with a range of offences, including possession of offensive weapons, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, driving while disqualified, and breach of bail.
Police also impounded three vehicles.
Kirk said in addition, a 24-year-old patched Black Power member was arrested on 13 September and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, after two firearms were located at his address.
He said Tai Rāwhiti Police were also continuing to investigate a report of shots being fired at a house on Glasgow Crescent overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday last week.