Hawke's Bay gang incidents and police response

The story so far

Police closed Omahu Road in Hastings on 4 September 2025 after a serious incident left three people injured, and police said it was not a crash.^{5 Sep 2025} Two gang-related incidents followed, a shooting and an assault, which injured four people, including two youths with life-threatening injuries.^{5 Sep 2025} Extra police were sent to Napier, Hastings and Wairoa, and a Gang Conflict Warrant was issued after two serious assaults linked to gang tensions.^{5, 6 Sep 2025} One man was arrested for weapon possession, and a community leader suggested that more officers may not address the underlying causes of the conflict.^{6 Sep 2025} Police then arrested four gang members and executed several search warrants under the warrant, which allows the seizure of weapons and vehicles.^{7 Sep 2025}

Latest

On 7 September police arrested four gang members and carried out several search warrants following the recent violence in Hawke's Bay.^{7 Sep 2025}

What's next

The four arrested people are expected to appear in court in Hastings.^{7 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 5 Sep 2025Omahu Road in Hastings closed after serious incident leaves three injured.
2. 5 Sep 2025Extra police sent to Hawke's Bay after shooting and assault leave four injured.
3. 6 Sep 2025Gang Conflict Warrant issued; extra police patrol Napier, Hastings and Wairoa.
4. 7 Sep 2025Four gang members arrested and several search warrants executed in crackdown.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.