A gang member being sought in the lower North Island is violent, unpredictable and could be carrying a firearm, say police.
Peter Tapine Photo: NZ Police
Officers have searched addresses in Masterton and Lower Hutt for Peter Tapine, who is accused of assaulting and threatening to kill a man last week.
Police said he was a patched member of the Nomad gang, with associations with the Wairarapa and Wellington areas.
Senior Sergeant Gordon Crawley said Mr Tapine was known to have possessed firearms in the past and threatened to use them.
Mr Crawley said Mr Tapine was aware he was being sought and was actively avoiding arrest.
