Schools and childcare centres in Ōpōtiki are closed today, as public concern mounts amongst the town's residents following a homicide on Friday night and two house fires.

Fire has ripped through a beach cabin on Monday afternoon and a house on Sunday night in Ōpōtiki amid increased gang tensions in the wake of the homicide.

Police investigating the death of Steven Taiatini continues today, with the support of investigative staff from across the country.

Steven died following an incident on Saint John Street in Ōpōtiki on June 9.

Ōpōtiki College Principal Terehia Channings announced their school closure on Sunday night, writing a post to the college's Facebook page.

"Given the current situation in Òpòtiki with the recent tragic homicide and heightened emotions it has been decided to close the school tomorrow," says the principal.

"This has been done in consultation with Board Chair, Danny Paruru and with information from other parties."

The closure will also include Junior Tech, Ringa Raupà and the operations of the bus run for College students. Uzabus will drop off any primary students at their respective schools.

The principal says the location of the tangi proceedings is in close proximity to Ōpōtiki College.

"Please direct any queries to the College rather than posts on our [Facebook] page."

"Omarumutu School is also closed," says an Ōpōtiki resident. "And Ashbrook, Omarumutu , Kutarere, Te Kura o Waioweka and Rosegarden Preschool. Waiotahe Valley School is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Woodlands is closing Tuesday for the rest of the week."

Waiotahe Valley School Principal Pat Carrington also posted to the school's Facebook page to reassure the school community.

"Due to the events that have affected our community over the weekend and the uncertainty of the days ahead, we have decided to close Waiotahe Valley School for Tuesday the 13th June and Wednesday the 14th of June," says Pat on the Facebook page.

"If there is any change to returning to school on Thursday the 15th of June we will inform our community. Thank you for your understanding and support in this uncertain time, we will inform our community of any updates as the situation unfolds."

Fire has ripped through a beach cabin and a house in Ōpōtiki amid increased gang tensions in the wake of the homicide.

Two fire trucks were called to a bach on SH35 Omaio in the eastern Bay of Plenty town just before 2.30pm Monday.

The 4m by 5m cabin was burnt to the ground by the time emergency services arrived, Fire and Emergency shift Colin Underdown says.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is underway.

This follows a Sunday night incident where four fire trucks attended a fire on Ford St just after 9pm.

The house was well alight when the crews arrived, fire and emergency shift manager Josh Pennefather said.

'It was a single storey residential house, about 10m by 15m - there were no reported injuries.”

The cause is now under investigation, and Josh says it's unknown at this time if it's suspicious or not.

It's understood that Steven Taiatini was the president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians.

There have been reports of an increase in gang members in the town.

"Police recognise the concern the public is feeling after the homicide," says Eastern Bay of Plenty Acting Area Commander Tristan Murray.

"Police will have an increased presence and visibility throughout the town."

Additional resources have been brought in from outside the district, providing 24/7 coverage in Ōpōtiki over the coming days.

"This is to offer reassurance to our wider community that may be feeling unsafe following recent gang-related events.

"We continue to urge anyone who witnesses anything suspicious or has concerns for their safety to call 111 immediately."

Commander Murray says the faster information is received, the faster Police are able to respond, investigate, and hold those who cause this harm accountable for their actions.

"Police will act quickly and decisively to hold to account gang members who commit violence in our community.

"Anyone with specific information relating to Mr Taiatini's death is asked to come forward and speak to the inquiry team.

"You can do so by calling 105 and quoting file 230610/2652."

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.