Police and Opotiki community leaders are calling for calm after the alleged murder of a 22-year-old man sparked tensions in the town.
A 34-year-old Opotiki man was yesterday charged with the murder of Joe Collier, who died after a large fight near Goring St on Sunday night. He will appear in Rotorua District Court today.
A 20-year-old has also been charged with assault with a weapon, after a vehicle was allegedly driven at people in the area around the time of the incident, and will appear in Whakatane District Court today. Yesterday seven people were arrested after police responded to reports of disorder in Bridge St about 11.30am. One man was taken to hospital with head and leg injuries.
Three local men aged, 24, 26 and 31 were being held in custody jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Two other men had been charged and bailed for possession of an offensive weapon and a man and a woman had been charged and bailed for disorderly behaviour, police said.