Police have arrested four people of interest in the investigation into the shooting of Bill Maangi in Gisborne.

Mr Maangi died in hospital after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September at an address on Ormond Road.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant John Love said search warrants were executed at multiple addresses in Gisborne between Wednesday 9 December and Thursday 11 December. The Police Dive Squad also searched a section of the Taruheru River.

Four people, aged 25 to 37, were arrested as a result. They are due to appear in Gisborne in January and are facing charges of aggravated robbery, and firearm and drug-related matters. Police have not laid murder charges at this stage.

During the warrants, officers seized a number of items including firearms, which have been sent for forensic examination.

Police say enquiries are ongoing. Further charges against those arrested are possible, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact Police on 105, online or by phone, using Operation Bushman or file number 250929/9035. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using the same reference.