The New Zealand Police Association is supporting the three officers who are now facing manslaughter charges in relation to the death of a man in the Hawera Police Station cells in June last year.

The president of the Police Association says the death of a man in custody in Hawera is not the result of physical force by officers.

A newcomer to the Bay of Plenty gang scene, the notorious Mongol Nation, has become involved in more tit-for-tat conflict with a rival gang.

Police Association President Chris Cahill joins the debate over the success or otherwise of Armed Response Team trials.

Former Police Commissioner Mike Bush, MNZM, and retired Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey from Christchurch recognised with Royal Honours.

Police say an incident where a man died from a shooting in Grafton is also related to a scene at St Johns Road.