Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the community is safe despite the tragedy of two deaths after a Saturday night birthday party.
Stoltz said it is "really really sad" but wants to reassure the local community that police are on the ground, and "this is a safe place, police are in control and they know what they're doing".
One man has been arrested in relation to the brawl. The victims were stabbed, police said.
One person is still in a critical condition in hospital; two are in a stable condition.
The event was a 21st birthday party, Inspector Darren Paki, acting area commander for Tairāwhiti, said. Police said they do not believe the conflict was gang related.
Follow the latest developments live here:
About 100 people were involved in a massive fight on Lytton Road in Elgin, police said in a press conference earlier this afternoon.
