Alleged Rebels member not on run - lawyer

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An alleged gang member being sought by police is not on the run and has an appointment to see police next week, says his lawyer.

Police said on Thursday they were hunting Duane David Wilson who was dangerous and should not be approached after they found firearms and drugs paraphernalia at his house in Manurewa, south Auckland, last week.

However, Wilson's lawyer Graeme Newall, told NZPA Wilson had called him last Thursday, the day police issued a press release saying they were hunting him.

Mr Newall said an arrangement was made for Wilson to see the police next week.

He said Wilson had not been charged with a criminal offence and was not on the run.

"Rather than being on the run Mr Wilson contacted his lawyer who contacted the officer in charge of his case and arrangements were made for a meeting next week," Mr Newall said.

Counties-Manukau police had earlier said Mr Wilson was not home when armed police searched the house and found a loaded, cut down .22 rifle, a shotgun and an air rifle.

Police said they also found Rebel's gang paraphernalia at the house, including a new Rebels gang patch.

The Rebels were an Australian gang which police said was trying to set up in New Zealand.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said neither the police nor the community wanted this gang in New Zealand and they would be subject to a concerted enforcement campaign.

He said Mr Wilson was considered dangerous and should not be approached.

- NZPA