Mongrel Mob party 'went without trouble'

Mongrel Mob members gather at the Te Aute Hotel on State highway 2 near Hastings as part of their 50th anniversary. Photo / Paul Taylor

Police say the Mongrel Mob 50th anniversary celebrations this weekend went ahead without trouble.

The celebrations were held at the Te Aute Hotel near Hastings yesterday.

One gang member died and two others were missing after a crash near the Mohaka Viaduct.

But the celebrations at the hotel went ahead "without any problems or issues," police said.

Earlier in the week, the gang was granted a liquor licence, to police opposition.

The local liquor licensing board made the decision because members felt it was better to grant the licence with conditions than have the event go ahead anyway.

Police said gang members from around the country attended the party.

Inspector Andy Sloan said police made no arrests and were not called to manage any incidents related to an associated memorial run or the hotel celebrations.

"Everything went smoothly and there was great co-operation from the gang. They abided by all the conditions of their licence and it was a well-managed event," Mr Sloan said.

Police pointed out that in contrast to the Mongrel Mob event, there were numerous fights and disorder events across Napier and Hastings last night.

Meanwhile, the police dive squad went to Wairoa last night to begin the search for the two men believed to be trapped in the car.

A fourth man was taken to Wairoa Hospital with moderate injuries after the crash near Mohaka Viaduct.