Police arrest 13 in response to gang clash

A suspect is handcuffed during a search on Guerin St, Kaikohe, in last week's anti-gang operation.

Five more people have been arrested in a major police operation sparked by a confrontation between rival gangs at a Kaikohe service station.

The Saturday, May 9 clash occurred mid-afternoon so was witnessed by a large number of people, including families with small children.

More than 30 police from all over Northland searched a dozen homes in Kaikohe on Thursday in a show of force against the gangs.

As well as making the arrests, which were aided by crystal clear CCTV footage, police seized a swag of weapons, thousands of dollars in cash, methamphetamine and a vehicle.

Eight people were arrested on the first day of the operation. All face the rarely laid charges of rioting and participating in an organised criminal group, as well as possession of offensive weapons.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said five more suspects were arrested on Friday, bringing the total so far to 13. Police were looking for just two more.

The latest people to be arrested had been charged with rioting and possession of offensive weapons.

Inspector Al Symonds, of Whangarei police, praised the bravery of members of the public who had intervened in the confrontation to keep the two sides apart.

Neither the police nor the good people of Kaikohe would stand for such thuggery, he said.

* Four people appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Friday charged with rioting, participating in an organised criminal group, and possession of offensive weapons. All were remanded in custody and are due back in court this afternoon.

They are Skip Issachar James Eruera, 28, of Horeke; Levi Reeves, 24, of Kaikohe; Grace Tyrone Rangimarie Brack, 31, of Kaikohe; and Milan Barry Ngamu, 40, of Kaikohe. The weapons named in the charges include a chain, a wheel brace and screwdrivers. Brack also faces a charge of using a motor vehicle as a weapon.

Four more alleged offenders are aged under 17 so will be dealt with by the Youth Court and cannot be named.