Tai Rawhiti Police have arrested a senior Mongrel Mob member in Wairoa following recent gang tensions

Police have invoked special search and seizure powers after shots were fired at Wairoa houses associated with the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.

Area Commander Danny Kirk says the 37-year-old senior member is facing drug charges and is due in Gisborne District Court today.

He says drugs, cash, an air rifle, and an air pistol were located and seized during two search warrants.

The searches weren't carried out as part of the recently invoked Gang Conflict Warrant.