Seven arrested in Kaikohe in crack down on gangs

Around 30 Northland police officers took part in yesterday's raid. Photo / File

Seven people have been arrested in Kaikohe as part of a crack down on gangs in the area, police say.

The operation in Northland was prompted after a confrontation between rival gangs occurred in Kaikohe town centre on May 9.

The 12 minute brawl was witnessed by members of the public including children, who were reportedly distressed by what they had witnessed.

Around 30 Northland police officers took part in yesterday's raid, which saw 12 addresses searched. Seven people - ranging in age from teenagers to people in their mid-30s - were arrested, police said.

They will face charges of rioting and possession of offensive weapons. Some would face a charge of participation in an organised criminal group, police said.

A number of weapons were seized during the searches, including chains, clubs, hammers, knives and screwdrivers.

Police also located some cannabis, methamphetamine, utensils used for drugs at some addresses, a car and several thousand dollars in cash.

Northland Police inspector Al Symonds said the residents of Kaikohe had had enough of the gangs and their "thuggish" behaviour.

"The people of Kaikohe deserve a lot better than this," he said.