The 27-year-old arrested during a gang altercation in the Bay of Plenty has appeared in court.

Daniel Tere McMeeking appeared in Rotorua District Court this morning facing charges relating to firearms, disorder and drug offences.

He is jointly charged, with people unknown, that he discharged a .22-calibre firearm with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

He is also jointly charged, with people unknown, that he had that firearm in a public place.

Police have also charged him with behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place and possessing cannabis.

No plea was entered when he appeared via audio visual link before Judge Phillip Cooper, who remanded him in custody for a further appearance on May 11.

McMeeking was arrested following police enquiries into a gang altercation that took place at the Kuirau Park markets on Saturday.

Reports from the public suggested shots had been fired in an incident between rival gangs, near a children's playground. At the time the morning markets were in full swing, and the area was teeming with shoppers.

A short time later, police located a vehicle with damage consistent with a shot being fired at it.

An examination of the scene confirmed to police that a firearm had been involved.