Police say they are bitterly disappointed the Rebels motorcycle gang has been able to buy a property in Kaikohe.
Known for its alleged drug-dealing activities, the gang has been trying to set up a base in Northland since last year.
It was forced to surrender its lease on a Whangarei property after a public outcry - but it has now purchased a yard with a small office in Kaikohe's Mangakahia Road.
Senior Sergeant Arthur McLean says Kaikohe and its at-risk youth have enough problems without the added pitfalls of a gang presence.
He tried to persuade the property-owner to put the community first and not sell to the Rebels, but was unsuccessful.
The gang's Northland spokesperson, Bernard Monk, is in custody on charges of supplying methamphetamine, assaulting a woman and burglary.
