
Conflicts in Tairāwhiti
A significant Police operation has begun across Tairāwhiti, following several concerning incidents stemming from tensions between rival gangs.
Eight incidents, involving assaults and firearms, have been reported between 16 March and 23 March. Police and gang leaders have been working to ease tensions, but an escalation in the conflict between rival gang members has forced us to draw on additional powers.
Yesterday afternoon, Police were issued a Gang Conflict Warrant under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, giving Police special powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms and weapons, and vehicles.
Officers from across the district are supporting the operation, which will involve a heavy Police presence in Gisborne and further afield. Our focus, and the focus of all staff, is the safety of our communities. The incidents we’ve been made aware of posed a very real threat to the lives of those involved, and innocent members of the public. We’re not going to tolerate it.
We are continuing to work with gang leadership while sending a clear message to all gang members that they are in our spotlight.
Additional Police will be patrolling communities across Tairāwhiti, stopping vehicles with links to gang members, searching addresses, and progressing enquiries into the recent events of concern.
We want to assure our Tairāwhiti communities that we are driving this hard and will be committing significant resources to holding gang members accountable for their actions.
Police need the community to help us, and people can do that by reporting illegal or suspicious activity, by calling police on 111 if it’s happening now, or making a report via 105 if it’s after the fact.


Poll: Has your Kiwisaver taken a dip?
With the US tariffs ramping up and the stock market taking a hit, many are noticing a change in their Kiwisaver amounts.
If you've had a peek at your Kiwisaver balance since, have you seen it decrease?

-
86.4% Yes, it's decreased
-
10.8% Nope
-
2.9% Other - I'll share below

Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.
If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

-
58.5% Yes
-
41% No
-
0.5% Other - I'll share below

Wairarapa Balloon Festival Family Carnival this Saturday 🎈
The Wairarapa Balloon Festival Family Carnival takes flight at Solway Showgrounds this Saturday. Don’t miss it! 🙌 It’s the best value event for families this Easter. 🐣🌷
🎟️ Tickets include five hours of action-packed entertainment for the whole family—fun for the young and the young at heart! 💖 Limited ticket sales will be available on the day, but they encourage you to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment.
The forecast for the Family Carnival on Saturday is looking good. The weather for the morning ascensions, which start this Thursday, is a bit mixed. ☁️ You can stay updated via the Wairarapa Balloon Festival socials.
Please note: In the unlikely event they have to cancel the Family Carnival, any pre-purchased tickets will be refunded back to the ticket holder, minus any ticketing fees. 💸
Tickets can be purchased online at the link below.
