The theft of a frozen foetus was behind an ugly gang brawl in New Plymouth this week, a police source said.

Two women were arguing over who was to blame, when gang members drinking nearby then joined in.

At the height of the scrap about 30 people were milling around in Cook St as 10 police tried to restore order.

The miscarried foetus, taken during the burglary of a nearby Banks St house, was being kept in a freezer until the couple from whom it was stolen held a ceremony.

The theft was revealed at New Plymouth District Court last week when two men appeared on burglary charges.

In the same court yesterday, four people, a woman and three men who were described as Black Power associates, appeared on charges relating to the fight.

William Pouha, in his 30s and unemployed, was remanded without plea for a week on charges of disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

Earlier, Karipori Repia and Hohaia Tane, aged 31 and 25 respectively, pleaded guilty to obstructing police and disorderly behaviour.

Repia also admitted resisting arrest.

Police prosecutor Craig Jones told the court that police were surrounded by gang associates who were swearing at them. Repia and Tane were told to back off.

Police called for urgent assistance. It took four police to arrest Repia and put him in handcuffs.

He had no explanation for his behaviour.

Judge Allan Roberts ordered Repia to complete 150 hours' community work and Tane was sentenced to 125 hours.

Shannon Tauariki, 30, also pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour when she tried to stop the arrest of her partner.

Judge Roberts convicted Tauariki but freed her without penalty because she had pleaded guilty immediately, had no previous convictions and had five children to care for, the youngest of whom was a 1-year-old.