People are being warned to avoid travelling between Tauranga and Katikati via State Highway 2.
Huge traffic delays are being reported on the highway.
A large police operation is currently taking place.
A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says there are numerous police cars on SH2, and the police Eagle helicopter has also been spotted in the area.
Police have warned that they will be on high alert in the Bay of Plenty as two gang funerals take place. Read more here.
Police ask that any antisocial behaviour be reported to them immediately.
Traffic is backed-up on SH2 and at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection in Tauriko. Image: Google Maps.
"Local staff will be supported by officers from across the Bay of Plenty district in anticipation of a large gang presence.
"We have been actively engaging with whānau of the deceased and key gang spokespeople to ensure our expectations around behaviour is clear.
"Antisocial or unlawful behaviour and driving related offending will not be tolerated and those involved can expect to be met with enforcement action.
"Police will exercise powers under the Search and Surveillance Act through gang conflict warrants as necessary to prevent any retaliatory behaviour or further harm.
"Locals can expect some delays as the groups pay their final respects.
"Everyone in the community has the right to be safe and feel safe and we ask you report any unlawful behaviour to police on 111 if it is happening and 105 after the fact."
3 comments
WHAAAAAT
Posted on 15-12-2023 17:04 | By Yadick
A stinking hot day, coming into Christmas, peak hour traffic, a State Highway and main route of travel and we're told to avoid it and expect massive delays so gangs can have their own way and do what they want.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Unfortunately Yaddick
Posted on 15-12-2023 20:27 | By Bruja
It's a public highway and they have the right to be on it so long as they obey the law. It sucks but it's not illegal.
@ Bruja
Posted on 16-12-2023 23:37 | By Yadick
I know you're 100% right but it still peeves me off big time. Their stupidity, their intimidating behavior both on and off the road, their sense of self entitlement and self righteousness, their deployment in big groups on the roads, their illegal bikes . . . They're just pathetic and need to be run out of towns and cities everywhere. We need a specialized force to be able to lawfully rise up against them. In saying that it appears to be good policing around Whakatane this weekend. Unfortunately the courts will just play into their hands.
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