Gang tensions have boiled over in Manawatū, resulting in a gang-related killing at the weekend, but police say mediation between the gangs could come soon.
On Sunday afternoon a young Mongrel Mob member was killed in a gang-related shooting.
Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham told AM it's too early to say who is responsible, but police are "working very hard to identify that person and hold them to account".
As gang tensions continue to boil, Insp Grantham said local police are specifically "looking very closely" at the Mongrel Mob and Black Power, and are now using new legislation to crack down on them.
"We can disarm, we can disrupt and try to de-escalate the threats that they pose to each other and then minimise the risk to the public and keep everyone safe."
It comes after police arrested three Mongrel Mob members in the early hours of Tuesday morning for the possession of firearms and ammunition.
Insp Grantham told AM's Laura Tupou an "influential member" of a gang has contacted police to get the groups together and try and resolve tensions "before more people are hurt".
He wouldn't be drawn on which gang the member was from as talks were in their "early stages", but said it's a "sensationally positive move by the group, and I'm committed to making that happen".
Gang-related killing
Police are still seeking public sightings of a white 2005 Nissan which Insp Grantham said was seen within the area at the time of the fatal shooting on Sunday afternoon.
Insp Grantham said the vehicle was found burnt out relatively close to the scene.
"We'd be very keen to hear from anybody who saw the vehicle, and our investigation team would be very keen to hear from anybody who has information about the events."
Insp Grantham told AM police have "very strong leads and are working hard to solve" the crime.
Anyone with information can contact police on 105 and quote event number P055583482.
Alternatively information can be provided through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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