Confidence that gangs will be hit hard by authorities after a shooting in a downtown Auckland hotel

Armed officers were called to reports of gun shots yesterday morning at the Sofitel at the Viaduct.

Police Minister Poto Williams says it was a conflict between the Mongols and the Headhunters.

Director of Criminal Justice at Canterbury University Jarrod Gilbert says Police will be taking it very seriously.

He says they need to send a message that when any groups step this far outside the realms of what is acceptable, they will receive the attention they deserve.