Dozens of Mongrel Mob gang members are descending on the South Island as part of a national gathering this weekend.
Stuff understands members of the Mighty Mongrel Mob Barbarian MC were travelling to Christchurch on Friday for a national gathering. They will then ride to other parts of the South Island.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Farrant said police were aware of the gathering and had dedicated extra resources.
“We will be interacting with them regularly,” he said.
The gathering comes in the wake of a double shooting involving Fairmont Wiringi, the son of Mongrel Mob Aotearoa president Joseph “Junior” Wiringi.
It is understood some Mongrel Mob members have moved to Christchurch in the last six months, mostly from the Hawkes Bay region.
It is unclear whether the move is to bolster membership of existing local rivals Aotearoa or Notorious, or whether members are moving for job opportunities, but it is understood the new arrivals to the city have not caused any issues for police.
The Mongrel Mob, which has a number of chapters, has no official clubhouse or gang pad in Christchurch.
A property on Bowhill Rd, New Brighton, is believed to be occupied by two members of the Mongrel Mob Aotearoa.
Police have been investigating increasing gang tensions in Christchurch between the Rebels, Mongrel Mob Aotearoa, and the Mongols MC.
Members of the gangs, including the Neighbourhood Crips, are believed to have been involved in the double shooting in Kaiapoi on January 4.
The Mongols set up a South Island chapter led by former Hells Angels member Jason Ross last year, creating tension among rival groups.
Police in Christchurch have since investigated fire bombings and drive-by shootings linked to the gang’s arrival.
Stuff/The Press understands the Mongols, whose numbers locally have dwindled following recent arrests, have formed an alliance of sorts with the Rebels, another international biker gang.
Mongrel Mob members are known to associate with NHC members.
There is no apparent link between the double shooting and the suspected murder of a Head Hunters gang associate in the greater Christchurch area on January 1.
Kane Wayman, 46, died after he was allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked after a night of drinking at the Mongols’ South Island headquarters on the outskirts of Christchurch.
Wayman was among a large group of people who attended a New Year’s Eve party at the gang pad.
Four people, including Mongols members, have been charged with his murder.
