Firearms seized as part of Operation Kotare

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Firearms and ammunition have been seized following an incident over the weekend, police say.

Police executed search warrants at two Tairāwhiti residential addresses on Tuesday as part of the ongoing Operation Kotare.

A shotgun, a pistol and ammunition were located.

Responding to a Gisborne Herald Official Information Act request, police confirmed that between November 2020 and April this year they attended 65 gang-related shootings from Raupunga to Te Araroa.

Operation Kotare was launched at the start of this year to combat rising gang tensions in the region.

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“Police will act quickly and decisively to hold to account gang members who commit violence in our community,”  Operation Kōtare Lead Inspector Darren Paki said.

“We have noticed a decrease in the number of violent gang incidents compared to this time last year and we know that our ability to act quickly is key to that.

“We also know that investing in prevention efforts with community and Iwi partners is key to making our communities safe, which is why we are invested in community and rangatahi spaces.”