Operation to target gang tension

A police operation has been set up following ongoing gang tensions in Wairoa, including a gun being fired at a house where two children were sleeping.

Operation Atlas will focus on the disruption and prevention of organised crime and gang-related offending across the Eastern Police district. Since June 3, there had been five incidents where guns had been fired at homes in the wider Wairoa area, police said. Earlier this month, a Wairoa man received gunshot wounds, and last week, two children were asleep in a Raupunga house which was targeted in a drive-by shooting.

Wairoa area response manager Senior Sergeant Maui Aben said ‘‘thankfully, the tamariki were not injured’’.

‘‘Our message to those responsible for this offending, and the ongoing tensions is simple – community safety comes first, and we will hold you to account for your actions.’’

Operation Atlas began last Thursday with the arrival in Wairoa of police staff from around the country to support local police.

‘‘While these extra staff will remain with us for the next several weeks carrying out disruption and prevention activities, we do understand this is a long-term issue that requires long-term solutions.’’

Police held a meeting earlier this year with Wairoa community and iwi leaders, to discuss the gang-related issues. ‘‘We know we can’t make lasting change without our community partnering with us. It’s time to do something different to ensure different results,’’ Aben said.

Wairoa District Council Mayor Craig Little said he encouraged members of the public to assist with information. ‘‘It is a gang problem and as a community we are behind police as we jointly work towards solutions.’’

Wairoa Taiwhenua Chairman and Nga¯ ti Kahungunu Iwi board member Nigel How said the ‘‘current situation is rooted in complex intergenerational issues’’.

‘‘Alcohol and drug abuse, organised crime and violence are not unique to gangs. These issues are found everywhere and reflect deeper collective trauma experienced by our community,’’ he said. ‘‘Stable community safety will only come with manaakitanga for all. This means we all have an inherent responsibility to support and care for each other through the highs and lows.’’