A long-running turf war between rival crime clans left nearly 30 people dead between 1998 and 2006. The main players are dead or in jail, but the violence continues.

Police infiltrated the highest levels of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang in an undercover operation that culminated in mass raids, nearly 30 arrests and the seizure of weapons and explosives today.

An undercover operation dubbed one of the "deepest gang infiltrations" in New Zealand police history has seen 15 arrests and 20 properties raided.

Three senior members of the Rebel Motorcycle Club have been banned from visiting a Northland prison after attempting to recruit members there.

Fears of a growing gang war are mounting with the shooting of three men in Sydney, one reportedly a member of one of the city's most notorious families.

It was a violent weekend in Wairoa with attacks on five people, including a Mongrel Mob member.

A major police operation resulting in at least 30 arrests is likely to stymie Australian gang the Rebels' growing presence in NZ, police say.

Luxury cars and motorbikes, drugs and thousands of dollars have been seized in a major police crackdown on organised crime.

A major police operation today has highlighted the fact that rival gangs are working together in the highly lucrative drugs trade, Police Minister Judith Collins says.

Twenty-three gang members will appear in Tauranga District Court today.