Chris Hipkins says it's not his job, to decide how authorities should be dealing with rising gang tension in Ōpōtiki.

Gang members have descended on the eastern Bay of Plenty town following the death of Mongrel Mob Barbarians President Steven Rota Taiatini last Friday.

Schools have closed and bus services have been cancelled due to safety concerns, and two suspicious house fires have been reported.

The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking he supports Police to deal with it as they see fit.

He says the situation in Ōpōtiki is utterly unacceptable, but Police need the backing to do their job independently of politicians.

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