Gang shooters remain at large

Wairoa police are yet to make an arrest in connection with the town's two gang-related shootings. File photo / Brett Phibbs

Wairoa police are yet to make an arrest in connection with the town's two gang-related shootings.

A 48-year-old Mongrel Mob member was shot twice with a shotgun in the northern Hawke's Bay town, once in the back and once in the side, at a service station on the town's main road on Friday night.

The attack appeared to be in retaliation for a shooting on the night of October 25, when a 17-year-old Black Power member was shot in the chest outside the Mongrel Mob headquarters.

Police were continuing investigations but were yet to make an arrest in connection with the two shootings, Senior Sergeant Tony Bates said today.

Police were still appealing for sightings of a black Honda Civic and its occupants they believed involved in the Friday shooting. The car was found abandoned on Monday between Wairoa and Napier.

Wairoa district councillors and local MP Chris Tremain met police yesterday to discuss the town's gang problems.

Among the suggestions put forward was that the town consider adopting Wanganui's by-law banning gang patches.

Mr Tremain said he would discuss with Police Minister Judith Collins possible legislative changes that would increase police powers in dealing with gangs.

These included laws relating to unlawful assembly, and powers to search vehicles and property for firearms and illegal weapons.

- NZPA