Black Power members on trial over alleged Rotorua gang shootout

Eight Black Power gang members who allegedly targeted Mongrel Mob rivals in a shootout have gone on trial in Rotorua.

They are George Robert Jolley, Cramer Tana McMeeking, Chadwick Tamahou Matapuku, Daniel Tere McMeeking, Waimarama Horomai Te Kani, Robert Julian Dashwood, Christopher John Jolley and Major Wetini.

George Jolley faces a charge of attempted murder.

The remaining 31 charges, faced either individually or collectively, include intentionally discharging firearms to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawfully possessing and discharging firearms, and possessing offensive weapons.

In addition, each defendant faces a charge of participating in an organised criminal group.

All charges have been denied.

Before the selection of the high court jury began on Monday, Justice Sarah Katz outlined the crown's case centred on claims the defendants shot at Mongrel Mob members in Rotorua's Western Heights suburb on December 11, 2015.

After taking more than two hours to empanel the jury Justice Katz adjourned the trial's start until Tuesday.

It is estimated it will run for at least four weeks with the Crown calling more than 40 witnesses. - NZN