An investigation is underway following allegations members of the Mongrel Mob intimidated campers at a popular North Island campground.
Lake Tarawera Outlet campground is closed as both police and Department of Conservation (DoC) investigate the claims that Mongrel Mob members took over the site and forced campers out, the Whakatane Beacon reports.
A Kawerau man, who remained anonymous, told the Beacon his son stayed at the DoC run campground over New Year.
"Red shirt people were driving around in DoC vehicles on site, and I've been told by other people camping there that they have been harassed and intimidated by Mongrel Mob there.
"The mob is basically running the place and apparently, there is more methamphetamine up there than anything.
"It's a bloody shambles for a DoC campground," the man told the Beacon.
He also alleged the campground manager was wearing a mob patch.
DoC confirmed to Newshub the campground has been closed indefinitely due to the nature of the allegations.
"We have been made aware of the allegations. We will support the Police in their enquiries, but we are also doing our own investigations given the seriousness of the incidents described," Damian Coutts, operations director of DoC central North Island said.
Kawerau senior sergeant Yvonne Parker told the Beacon it was not her place to comment and all enquiries should be directed to DoC.
Lake Tarawera Outlet campsite is on the shores of the lake and is a popular camping spot for people in the Bay of Plenty. Cell phone coverage in the area is limited and access is through the town of Kawerau, a 40-minute drive away.
