Mass arrests after all-in gang brawl

A man is in hospital with facial injuries following a gang-related shooting in northern Hawke's Bay this morning.

Police say the man was shot during a violent brawl in the town of Wairoa, after which 24 people were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly.

Inspector Sam Aberahama, Gisborne police area commander, said police were called to a Kaimoana Road property occupied by gang members shortly after 9am today, after reports of shots being fired and fighting.

Wairoa police were assisted by reinforcements from Gisborne and Napier, including Armed Offenders Squad staff, and found a "large and violent brawl taking place", said Mr Aberahama.

A man who had been shot in the face was taken initially to Wairoa Hospital for treatment, then transferred to Hawke's Bay Hospital.

A Lowe Rescue Helicopter spokeswoman said the man was flown from the town of Wairoa at about 10.45am to Hawke's Bay Hospital, about 120km to the southwest, following the shooting.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening, said Mr Aberahama.

Mr Aberahama said no firearms had been found at the property so far, but the investigation into the cause of the shooting and the brawl is continuing.

He said police had been kept busy processing the 24 arrested, who are likely to appear in court tomorrow.

"Violence such as what took place today is unacceptable in the eyes of police and the community," said Mr Aberahama. "We are doing everything possible to find out what happened and to prevent a reoccurence."

- NZ Herald staff, NZPA