Fifteen people have been arrested and a variety of weapons have been seized by police as officers monitor a Black Power tangi procession in Whakatāne today.
Inspector Nicky Cooney said that fourteen of those arrested were either associated with, or patched, members of gangs.
"Some of the arrests made were executed using the Search and Surveillance Act through gang conflict warrants."
Two semi-automatic rifles, a knuckle duster, two machetes, an axe, and a variety of knives and ammunition were seized by police. Six motorcycles were also seized.
Cooney said that three people were arrested after previously failing to appear in court, while four people have been arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
"Other charges include breaching of release conditions, failings to stop for police, possession of drugs, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
"Police acknowledge those wanting to pay their respects at the tangi, however, unlawful activity will not be tolerated and we will not hesitate to hold those people to account"
The police helicopter is in the area to assist officers on the ground in Whakatāne as a "visible" police presence continues into tomorrow.
"We will also be following up any incidents of unlawful behaviour after the fact," said Cooney.
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