Four men have been arrested in Waikato following search warrants related to the tangi of a prominent gang member earlier this month.
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said a tangi was held in Huntly for a Taupiri gang member on December 2.
He said during the procession several attendees were observed wearing gang insignia in a public place, including gang members from Taupiri Motorcycle club, Head Hunters, and Westside Outlaws.
“Vehicles, including motorbikes, were seen performing burnouts and antisocial road user behaviour,” he said.
“Several vehicles couldn’t be stopped at the time, and in these cases, information was noted for further investigation and enforcement action.”
Yesterday, police carried out a series of search warrants in the Huntly area relating to people identified wearing gang insignia and engaged in unlawful driving behaviour at the tangi, Pitkethley said.
Two gang patches were seized under the Gangs Act 2024, along with gang paraphernalia.
Two Harley Davidson motorbikes were also seized for antisocial road user behaviour, and a firearm was seized after being located during the search and arrest of the alleged offenders.
“The investigation remains ongoing and further arrests are likely,” he said.
A 39-year-old gang member is due to appear in the Huntly District Court today on charges of displaying gang insignia in a public place.
A 23-year-old gang member is also due to appear in the Huntly District Court today on charges of displaying gang insignia in a public place and unlawful possession of a shotgun.
A 16-year-old has been referred to youth services in relation to wearing gang insignia in a public place.
A 32-year-old man is due to appear in the Huntly District court at a later date in relation to driving while suspended.
