Police arrested five gang members, including a senior member of the Mongrel Mob, after a fight in Wairoa last weekend. The brawl happened around 3pm on Saturday at Hunter-Brown Street, near War Memorial Park, right after a rugby match between Tapuae Sports Club and YMP.
Inspector Darren Paki said a fight among teenagers grew larger when adults and gang members joined in. Two people were hurt from stabbings, and two others were hit by a car.
Wairoa’s mayor called the violence after the rugby match “selfish behavior”. He emphasized that these gang members are not above the law and should be arrested to prevent future incidents.
Police made their first arrest on Tuesday night, a 32-year-old man from Wairoa for breaking bail conditions. On Wednesday, four more arrests were made, including a teenager. A 17-year-old has been charged with wounding someone seriously. Two other men, aged 25 and 33, face charges of disorderly behavior and unlawful assembly.
They are scheduled to appear in Wairoa District Court on August 2. A 21-year-old man was also charged with several offenses and will appear in Gisborne District Court on August 1.
Inspector Paki stated that all those arrested are gang members, including one with a leadership role in the Mongrel Mob in Wairoa. He mentioned that the investigation is progressing quickly and the goal is to make the community feel safe. Police are collaborating with local leaders and the Wairoa District Council.
Anyone with information about the fight is asked to call police at 105 and mention file number 240727/7731 or contact CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.
