Four arrested after mass brawl between gang members in Taupō, one spotted with gun

  • Updated
  • 05/07/2022
Police car.
The group left the scene before officers arrived. Photo credit: Newshub.

Four people have been arrested after chaos erupted in Taupō on Tuesday morning, when a group allegedly armed with weapons were seen brawling on a busy street.

Police on Tuesday appealed to the public for information about the incident, which happened at about 9:35am on Te Heuheu St.

According to police, a group of reported gang members were "fighting with weapons" on the street. The group had left the scene before officers arrived. 

A gun was seen during the fight but it didn't appear to have been fired, police said.

In an update later on Tuesday morning, Taupō Area Commander Insp Phil Edwards said four people had since been taken into custody.

"About 10:30am, a vehicle involved in the disorder was seen by police travelling on State Highway 5 between Taupō and Rotorua.

"Officers stopped the vehicle just south of Highlands Loop Rd.

"A firearm was located and the four occupants were taken into custody," Edwards said.

Speaking to the Rotorua Daily Post, a witness said one man "was waving a shotgun around" during the fight.

"There was a lot of screaming and yelling... stuff thrown and smashed windscreens," another witness told the newspaper.

The witness said street signs were also lifted up and hurled.

She told the RDP those who witnessed the incident were shaken "as hell".

Anyone with further information, or witness footage, was urged to take it to the Taupō police station.

Information could also be provided by calling 105, quoting file number P051131577.