Video: Gang tensions spill over in flood-ravaged Hawke's Bay
Police are committed to being visible around the community, as long-standing gang tensions spark firearms incidents in flood-ravaged Hawke's Bay, says Police Eastern District commander Jeanette Park.
It comes as Napier MP Stuart Nash cautioned gang members to "pull ya head in".
"I have heard stories of a certain gang around the area creating havoc. What I would say to that is pull ya head in; this is not the time to do this sort of behaviour. And what I would say to the gang leaders in the city is show some leadership; get your guys out of the cars, off the streets and stop this behaviour," Nash told media in Hawke's Bay earlier today.
He said gangs were taking advantage of the situation.
"You can't come up with any other conclusion than that and it is totally unacceptable. This is really bad form."
Speaking to media this afternoon, Park said gang tensions have been in the Eastern District for many, many years and prior to Cyclone Gabrielle.
Last night, she said shots were fired in a "gang situation".
"We arrested two gang members and we seized a firearm and ammunition.
"This morning, we had an incident where [a person allegedly] put a firearm out the window [of a vehicle]," she said. "Just prior to coming to this briefing, the [alleged] gang member had been arrested, and the firearm had been seized."
They are also investigating reports by a road worker of gang members in a vehicle with firearms yesterday. "We're investigating that. At this stage, it hasn't been confirmed."
Park said they were utilising the Police Eagle Helicopter "which is an exceptionally fast, efficient crime-fighting machine".
There is also an extra 120 police staff and more dog handlers being brought into the district to support cyclone recovery efforts.
"We have got a whole lot of things at play here and we're throwing everything at this. I won't tolerate any criminal behaviour."
When asked whether people were taking advantage of the cyclone, Park said there was "a lot of speculation and a lot of rumours" but that it was also a "tragic situation".
"I stand here now saying that; can [those] people put their feet in the shoes of the people that have been devastated by this disaster? Don't take advantage of people. It's cruel, it's unfair, and it's tragic.
"There's a tragic situation, and people shouldn't be doing that."
