The Mighty Mongrel Mob Barbarian MC – a motorcycle chapter offshoot of New Zealand's biggest gang – held a national hui in Christchurch over the weekend.
More than 100 riders and associates roared in the Garden City from around the country for the meet.
It came after a flare-up in gang violence in the city since New Year, with a suspected gang-related homicide and double shooting in Kaiapoi which left Fairmont Joseph Wiringi, son of Joseph Wiringi, the local Mongrel Mob president with gunshot wounds.
Mongrel Mob members were spotted around Christchurch over the weekend. The New Zealand Herald understands that the hui was held at Halswell Quarry.
Gang members were also seen at Riverside Market in the central city, and at several inner city bars.
While many members have returned home and left the South Island, others have continued their southern tour to Queenstown.
Police have been on alert in the resort after gang members arrived.
Mob members were seen going around the sights yesterday and were believed to be staying for a few days before returning home.
The Otago Daily Times understands about 70 members of the gang arrived in Queenstown on Sunday.
Members had been seen walking around town, visiting bars and restaurants, taking jet-boat rides and visiting a car show.
Sergeant Simon Matheson, of Queenstown, said members of the gang were ‘‘passing through Queenstown to another location further south’’ following their gathering in Christchurch.
‘‘We are aware of their presence and have had good engagement with them,’’ Sgt Matheson said.
Police in Christchurch said a Mongrel Mob member was involved in an unprovoked attack on Oxford Terrace - a busy night spot alongside the Avon River - about 1am on Sunday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nicola Reeves said a man punched another man, causing the victim to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.
"The victim became unconscious and was transported to hospital where he remains," Reeves said.
"The offender was one of a group of Mongrel Mob who were socialising in town at the time and is described as Māori with tattoos on his arms, wearing black clothing, a black hat and a red bandanna wrapped around his wrist."
Many people were in the area at the time, Reeves said, and police believe some may have videos or photographs of the assault and/or the offender.
"Anyone who has information about the assault is encouraged to contact police on 105 quoting file number 210131/5776 or anonymously on 0800 Crimestoppers."
Police today said inquiries are ongoing. There have been no arrests at this stage.
- Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald
