9 Aug 2022

Ten arrested after gang fight at Taupō shopping centre

12:07 pm on 9 August 2022

Ten people have been arrested in relation to a gang fight in Taupō last month.

No caption

Police say the incident was a brazen act of violence Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police were called to the altercation between rival gang members in the Taupō shopping centre on 5 July.

A firearm was allegedly presented but not discharged.

Those arrested are aged between 16 and 31 and have been charged with offences including presenting a firearm, disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence and possession of an offensive weapon.

"This was a brazen act of violence that happened in a very public place where members of the community were simply trying to go about their business," detective sergeant Andy Livingstone said.

"We'd like to reassure our community that any acts of violence involving ongoing tensions between gangs won't be tolerated."

Those arrested have made initial court appearances in either the Taupō Youth or District Courts.