UPDATE 1.15PM: A 34-year-old Opotiki man has been charged with murder following the death of Joe Collier on Sunday.

Police arrested the alleged offender today and he is due to appear in Whakatane District Court tomorrow.

A scene guard at a property in King Street, Opotiki. Photo: Supplied Whakatane Beacon.

Joe Rangi Patrick Collier, 21, was found in a critical condition in King Street about 7pm Sunday as police responded to reports of a large group of people fighting in nearby Goring Street.

He was taken to Whakatane Hospital, but later died.

TVNZ reports Joe's death was not a result of the suspected gang-related street brawl but a fight in a shared driveway.

A post-mortem was conducted but police are not releasing details of the death as the case is before the courts. The 21-year-old's body has now been returned to the family.

Earlier:

Tensions are continuing to escalate in the town with police today called to an incident in the Bridge Street area.

Six men and one woman are facing charges following a disorder in Opotiki this morning.

Police were called to a disorder in the Bridge Street area of Opotiki shortly after 11.30am.

One man has been taken to Whakatane Hospital head and leg injuries.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Kevin Taylor says it's important there is trust placed in the police investigation into Joe Collier's death.

'We appeal once again for calm. The actions of a minority of people are doing nothing to assist the family, the wider community of Opotiki or the investigation process.”

Meanwhile forensic investigations and eyewitness interviews are continuing today and likely into tomorrow.