Whanganui Police have moved to allay fears of gang hostility in the city.
Inspector Steve Mastrovich has reassured the community that the serious assault and subsequent death of Craig Rippon is not the result of tensions between rival gangs.
He said the situation "appears to be confined to a smallgroup of individuals within the same faction".
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Mr Rippon, 57, on Sunday.
Six people have been charged and police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
Mr Rippon was the leader of Black Power in Wanganui and had been a member since the 1970s. There are believed to be two other Black Power groups in the city.
Mr Mastrovich said: "While we are aware of some commentary in the media and speculation regarding the involvement of various groups, at this stage it appears to be confined to a small group of individuals within the same faction - and is not indicative of any wider tensions or threats potentially involving others in the same group or from other factions.
"However, we are continuing to closely monitor the situation and, in the event there are any further incidents following Sunday night's events, I can reassure the community that we will respond swiftly and appropriately as required."
Mr Mastrovich said the death of Mr Rippon was also unconnected to the recent deaths of gang members in northern Hawke's Bay. Three Mongrel Mob members were killed in a crash on Saturday after their car plunged down a bank into the Mohaka River, and police are investigating the cause.
