Police are arming themselves in Canterbury from Friday as gang tensions increase.
The case targets the 'Ndrangheta clan, which is based in Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot.
The arrival of Australian gang members is a factor.
Police Association president Chris Cahill warns firearms incidents had escalated and may continue.
"It is scary... we have little children and older citizens all over the place."
A dying man was dropped off at Christchurch Hospital on Friday morning.
Police believe almost 900 people joined a gang this year.
$20,000 was stolen from her home.
Police fear an all out turf war.
Sixteen vehicles have been identified as being involved in serious driving offences.
Seven people have been arrested.
Wāhine Toa says they've suffered for decades from the violence of male gang members due to colonialism.
A major raid on the gang in April last year netted nearly $4 million in houses and fancy cars.
There have been two shootings in Napier and stabbings in Hastings.
Raids are being carried out south of Christchurch.
One man has been arrested and charged in relation to the spate of shootings.
Police located the drugs along with $200,000 in cash and a shotgun.
Police said they were not ruling out further arrests or charges.
"The young ones are hooning up and down the roads, doing wheelies."
Police warn the public should not approach him.
