Chart-topping New Zealand singer Tiki Taane is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Friday after being arrested in the city early yesterday.

He was performing a gig at Illuminati on Harrington Street when police arrested him.

Taane is charged with disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence to start or continue.

A number of people at the gig said Taane began singing "f*** the police" when they carried out a standard inspection of the club.

When they approached him afterwards "things got out of hand", a person who did not wish to be identified said.

Tiki Taane's website carried this message: "Freedom of speech is a human right. All our love and thorts are with everyone who attended the Tauranga gig last nite and in particular those who were present early hours this morning ... we sincerely hope you are all ok please contact us via holla@tikidub.com if you need anything in relation to what occurred... arohanui and bless [sic]."

His manager and sister, Nina Taane, said the arrest took place some time near closing time at 3am.

"He was performing at the gig when he was arrested," she said.

"We need to work things through with our lawyer around how this plays out and a lot of that is around bringing the truth to the surface."

It is understood a staff member from Illuminati was also arrested.

She said her brother was coping well after the arrest, but the issue required "sensitivity".

Nina would not elaborate on why her brother was arrested, but said others were arrested with him.

"We just hope everyone who was there is OK. It will all come out eventually."

She said her brother would release a full statement later today.

* This story first published on sunlive.co.nz