One person has been arrested and taken into custody after two men were found dead from a 100-person “disorder event” involving a "large altercation” in Gisborne last night.
Officers were called to a "disorder event involving about 100 people on Lytton Rd in Elgin" at around 11.30pm on Saturday.
Additional staff, including the Armed Offenders Squad, were called to help break up the disorder, said Tairāwhiti Area Commander Acting Inspector Darren Paki, at a press conference this afternoon.
Three others, believed to have been stabbed, were taken to hospital in critical condition, he said.
"A 45-year-old man and 21-year-old man are both in a serious but stable condition with suspected stab wounds.
"A 30-year-old man is in a critical condition in the intensive care unit."
Three others were taken to Gisborne Hospital, which was put in lockdown as police worked to quell the ongoing tension. (Source: 1News)
Staff attempted to provide emergency medical assistance to two victims but both were later confirmed dead.
The event was a 21st birthday party, and Paki said the fight allegedly broke out when two uninvited guests arrived.
“What should have been a happy occasion for this family, fuelled by alcohol, has turned into an ugly and an awful tragedy for the people involved."
The large number of people involved meant it would "take time to piece together the details of what happened".
"Police from around the district and surrounding areas have been called to boost staff numbers for reassurances."
Initial indications were that the altercation did not involve rival gangs, Paki said.
"We believe gang members were present but it is not a gang conflict."
'This is a safe place' - Police Minister, Gisborne Mayor
Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the community was "still safe" following the tragic event on Saturday.
At a press conference this afternoon, Stoltz said the incident last night was "really, really sad and our hearts break for whānau involved."
"This is not the place we know — usually there's a lot of fun going on. You know our place as a light-hearted beach holiday place. But what we saw today is not something that happens here all the time...
"This is a safe place, we are proud to live here, this is a proud community, but what we see is an absolute tragedy and our hearts are breaking for everyone involved, and we want to make sure they receive the support they need."
Mitchell said the large police presence was due to the nature of the investigation and he flew to Gisborne because he felt it was a "big incident" that would impact the community.
"It's always shocking to see because of the human cost, and the pain and suffering, and people lose loved ones and members of their family."
When asked whether there was enough investment in police, Mitchell said he had been constantly updated and that the police response had been "outstanding."
A Gisborne Hospital spokesperson said there was a high police presence on site as the safety of staff and patients was of primary concern.
"The Emergency Department remains open, but we are restricting visitors to the wards. Unless it is an emergency, we encourage the public at this time, to please seek alternative health advice by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116."
Earlier, Inspector Danny Kirk said, in a statement: "We know that events like this are incredibly concerning for our community.
"Police will have a highly visible presence across Gisborne over the coming days, and extra patrols will be carried out to provide reassurance to members of the community.
"Additional police staff are working to assist with that effort.
"We urge anyone who feels unsafe or sees illegal or suspicious activity happening to please call police on 111, or 105 if it’s after the fact."
SHARE ME