A suggestion more balance is needed - as Police invoke special powers to respond to gang violence

Special warrants have been issued in Tairawhiti, Opotiki, and Whakatane - after tensions between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.

They let officers search vehicles, and suspected gang properties - and seize weapons.

Senior Mongrel Mob member, Harry Tam, told TVNZ's Breakfast the powers can solve immediate issues, but not enough social interventions are being used.

He says the tools are stop gap measures, and the root causes of gang membership and confrontation need to be addressed.