Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin says he is prepared to speak to gangs in an effort to resolve issues which have come to the fore in recent weeks.
"If I can be of help, I am prepared to be available," he told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
The overture comes amid rising gang tensions and accompanies Mr Chin's call for the council and the wider community to support police as they crack down on rising gang activity in the city.
Mr Chin confirmed he had spoken to the police, who had also talked to council staff "about one or two issues".
Admitting the power of the council was somewhat limited, there were ways, such as the Building Act, where it could support police in their efforts to control gang activity.
"If properties are being turned into fortresses and don't comply with regulations, then council has the power to do something about it," he said.
While previous gang activity had been "below the radar", recent incidents, including a drive-by shooting at a South Dunedin house, arson and the use of Molotov cocktails, had raised the profile of gangs, he said.
"Some of that activity has the potential to put the public in danger."
The police were doing their utmost to deal with the situation, following the arrival of more Black Power members in the city and a recruitment drive by the Mongrel Mob, which had escalated tensions, he said.
"The police are doing their best. We as a community need to support the police in what they are doing. If there are issues, then they [members of the public] need to keep the police informed."
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said there was little in terms of local government changes he could implement to control the gang problem.
"But this Government is keen to crack down on gangs . . . That is something we are looking at."
Earlier this week, Justice Minister Simon Power said he would target gangs by doubling penalties for being a member of a gang, and making it easier for police to intercept their communications.
