Whanganui Police have moved to allay fears of gang hostility in the city.
Inspector Steve Mastrovich has reassured the community that the serious assault and subsequent death of Craig Rippon is not the result of tensions between rival gangs.
He said the situation "appears to be confined to a small group of individuals within the same faction".
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Mr Rippon, 57, on Sunday.
Six people have been charged and police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.