Police said Operation Pakari has been investigating serious offences believed to be linked to the Mongrel Mob in Southland, in particular the Mataura Chapter, since last year. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A crackdown on organised crime has led to the arrests of more than 10 people with gang links in Southland.
The charges include attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and firearms offences.
Police said Operation Pakari has been investigating serious offences believed to be linked to the Mongrel Mob in Southland, in particular the Mataura Chapter, since last year.
The incidents include two drive-by shootings in Invercargill last year and people being dropped off at Gore Hospital seriously injured.
Eleven males aged between 16 and 43 with links to the Mongrel Mob were scheduled to appear in the Invercargill District Court from Wednesday, following two days of arrests.
Three arrests were made in Auckland.
Properties were searched in Mataura, Gore, Dunedin and Hamilton at midday on Wednesday under 12 warrants.
Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman did not rule out further arrests.
"This operation has been about protecting the community and ensuring Invercargill, Gore and Mataura continue to be safe places to live."
It was the culmination of months of investigative work and dedication, he said.
"These groups are not welcome here; we see the harm they inflict through organised criminal activity and we will target the people who seek to profit from that harm.
"We will continue to target and suppress unlawful gang behaviour in order to protect and enhance the safety of our community and staff.
"It is our priority to ensure everyone in our communities feels safe and is safe."
Southland Police had dedicated teams and social agencies to offer immediate support to families who may find themselves struggling in the wake of the search warrants.
"It's one thing to arrest a parent, it's another to leave another caregiver struggling to support the family," Bowman said.
"While we are focused on holding people to account for what is serious violent offending, police's role is also to be victim-focused and help preventing further harm from occurring."
The support being offered ranged from budgeting advice to significant interventions, including involving child welfare agencies.
Operation Pakari wrapped up this week, and was part of the nationwide Operation Cobalt targeting the harm caused by gang offending in communities.