Police manhunt ends in Masterton

Nomad gang member Peter Douglas Tapine was arrested on charges of serious violence. Photo/NZ Police

Calls from the public led to the arrest of a "violent and unpredictable" gang member who was found in a Masterton home on Christmas Day after an earlier bashing in the town.

Sergeant Richie Day said police had been hunting for patched Nomad Peter Douglas Tapine after the assault in Masterton on December 15 of a man who was left with serious facial injuries.

Mr Day said Tapine was arrested without incident when police raided a Masterton home about 3.30am on Christmas Day after a call from the public.

"Basically we got information as to his whereabouts that resulted in his arrest, and we're still getting a lot of calls from the public saying they've sighted him here and there," Mr Day said.

Police in Wairarapa and Hutt Valley had searched several homes in Masterton and Lower Hutt looking for Tapine after a warrant was issued for his arrest related to offences of injuring with intent to injure and threatening to kill.

Police described Tapine as violent and unpredictable and, according to a press release, said he was known to have carried firearms.

Police were unarmed during his arrest.

Tapine has been held in custody and is to appear in court on January 7 to answer charges related to the assault.

Mr Day thanked members of the public for their help with the successful arrest.