The Police Association says the statistics paint a worrying picture about the sheer volume of firearms now circulating in the criminal underworld.

600 firearms were seized by Auckland police officers in less than a year.

They made the demand at a public meeting in Taradale yesterday, exactly a week after shots were fired during a large gang brawl in the town's centre.

Police figures show there were 278,644 "total victimisations" in the 12 months to November 30, up 7.1 per cent on the year before.

Current tensions between gangs are seen as a result of growth and younger members joining gangs.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor said police staff involved have been deeply affected by this incident.