Northland police say they have arrested a number of gang members after a man was assaulted in daylight on Kaikohe's main street Broadway.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
That attack on Monday at 2pm was followed by a shooting in the town yesterday, after which a man was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
The shooting on Tuesday involved members from the Tribesmen and Killer Beez gangs.
"The arrests come as police continue to investigate four reported incidents, three involving firearms, around the Kaikohe area since 13 March," Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell said.
Police have also seized 41 grams of methamphetamine and about $1440 cash.
Eleven people have been arrested on firearms and drug-related charges.
They are all men aged between 15 and 55, and all are currently before the Kaikohe District Court.
Police have increased patrols around Kaikohe and have not ruled out further arrests or charges being laid.
"Police would like to reassure our community that these incidents are not random acts of violence but involve ongoing tensions between members of these gangs," Dalzell said.
"We know the community will be as appalled, as police are, by the behaviour that has been exhibited in recent days.
"The attack in the main street on Monday, in broad daylight, was vicious and cowardly.
"The offenders have shown they have no regard for others' safety."
People who have any information about these matters are urged to contact police.
