Shoppers rushed to their local supermarkets after the national lockdown announcement on March 23, 2020. Video / Supplied
Police were called to a Napier Pak'n Save today after gang members began fighting over chicken ahead of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Officers were called at about 11.30am for the disorder which broke out in store, believed to be between Mongrel Mob and Black Power members and associates.
A witness atthe store posted about the altercation on social media and said the parties were fighting in the middle of the store "over the last bag of f****ng chicken".
There were no reports of injuries or weapons used and police said that the fight was broken up on arrival with no arrests made.
A spokesperson for the supermarket could not comment on what happened but said people need to listen to the Government's message not to panic buy and visit the store as normal.
Customers were on Monday queuing in the same supermarket for up to 45 minutes.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had earlier pleaded with New Zealanders not to panic-buy and to just stick with their usual shopping approach.
Supermarkets fall within the essential store category and will remain open even during the level 4 lockdown.