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A significant operation is under way in Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay after ongoing tensions erupted this week between gangs, police say.
District manager criminal investigations Detective Inspector Marty James said police issued a gang conflict warrant, following what he called senseless and unacceptable violence between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.
He said shots were fired at houses in Wairoa associated with both gangs on Tuesday night and a Napier house connected to one of the gangs was targeted on Thursday.
"We're also aware of a number of alleged gang-related incidents in Wairoa that have not been reported to us, including assaults, vehicle rammings, other damage to cars, and threatening behaviour."
The issuing of the warrant would provide police with extra powers such as being able to search vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms, weapons and vehicles.
Detective Inspector James said two men have been arrested and charged in relation to the Wairoa shootings and more arrests were likely in the coming days.
The two men, aged 18 and 35, have been charged with aggravated burglary and possession of offensive weapons.
"The violence we are seeing from these two gangs - particularly those incidents where firearms are involved - is absolutely unacceptable in our communities.
"The residents of our communities have the right to be able to go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety from gang-related violence.
"They've had enough and so have we."
Detective Inspector James said officers would be maintaining "a highly visible presence" to provide reassurance for residents in the affected communities.
"We are determined to hold those responsible for the recent offending to account and gang members should be on notice that we will not tolerate this ongoing violence."
Wairoa mayor Craig Little said the violence was appalling, after months of peace.
He said things had quietened down since the Gangs Act came into force in November.
"There's no excuse for it happening. It's a disgrace and I really feel sorry for police officeers, they're doing so well.
"They [gang members] just don't give a stuff about anyone else's safety."
Despite this week's violence, so far Anzac Day in Wairoa had been quiet and relaxed, he said.
