Police's handling of Opotiki's gang-influx has come under fire from some -- but a former Mongrel Mob member turned councillor thinks it was an appropriate response

The Bay of Plenty town was effectively shut down earlier this week, for a Mongrel Mob leader's tangi.

A large procession of members flooded State Highway Two, prompting its hours-long closure.

While extra officers were deployed, there was criticism Police took a hands off approach.

But Kawerau District Councillor, Warwick Godfrey says an escalated response wasn't necessary.

He says safety remained Police's priority.

Godfrey says they worked to minimise any issues... and what they did wasn't unusual.