An ‘on the run' member of Greasy Dogs did not receive bail today when 13 members of the gang appeared before Tauranga District Court.

The men are charged with unlawful assembly after allegedly having a standoff with rival gang, the Filthy Few, in Matapihi on Saturday.

A scene outside the Tauranga courthouse this afternoon.

Cole Amokohe Kahotea did not enter a plea and was denied bail by the court because of his failure to appear on previous charges including a drink driving charge, benefit fraud, breaching of supervision, community work and breaching a protection order.

Prosecutor Sean Brennan says he continues to offend 'while effectively being on the run”.

He told the court if Kahotea was granted bail he would be on the run again until captured by police.

'He will just take off from that address and we will have to try and find him.”

Community magistrate Lesley Jensen says Kahotea has proved himself 'unreliable” and agreed he was too high risk to not turn up to court.

'I think it's the end of the road for Mr Kahotea.

'I do not have any certainty that he will abide by the conditions (of bail).”

She remanded him in custody to appear before a judge on Monday, February 14 at 10am.

The other 12 men, including a soldier, also did not enter a plea to charges of unlawful assembly.
They were remanded on bail and are due back before the court on the same date at 9am.

Conditions of their bail include not having any contact with the witnesses named on their bail bond, to have no association with co-offenders, and not to wear gang regalia.

Supporters filled the court gallery to watch the court proceedings.

There was also a strong police presence.

Twelve members of the Filthy Few pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly this morning.