Police have conducted a forensic examination on a car found in Auckland, in relation to a Palmerston North homicide inquiry

Gang member Hori Gage was fatally shot, in his own car, on August 6.

Police have revealed just two days before, a local Black Power leader was stabbed - and the killing of 27-year-old Gage is expected to be in retaliation.

Police have seized a car, and believe occupants who travelled from Auckland were involved in the aftermath of the alleged stabbing - believed to be gang rivalries.

It's understood Gage was killed in front of his wife and kids.