A Māori warden living in Ōpōtiki says an increased police presence in the Bay of Plenty town is reassuring for locals amid a rise in gang violence.
This includes a shooting on Saturday night that left a woman in a serious condition.
There have been ongoing tensions between Black Power and the Mongrel Mob, with shots fired at cars and houses in the past week.
Local police now have special powers to search suspected gang members' cars and addresses and are promising to be highly visible across Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne.
Te Owai Gemmell, chairperson of Māori Wardens in Ōpōtiki, says the increased police presence is noticeable.
Gemmell spoke to Guyon Espiner.
