“This sort of public-place violence is unacceptable, and police will not tolerate it – and nor should the community,” Hay said.
“We know there was a large number of people who witnessed this fight, and I’d like to thank all those who called 111 immediately to report the incident.”
Hay said police were inquiring into the incident and were looking for those involved.
He asked those who witnessed the fight, or have footage of it, to call police on 105, to contact them online, or come into the Whakatāne Police station.