A controversial Nelson charity poker run traditionally organised by people who identify with the Red Devils motorcycle gxxg is planned again for next month.
Police say the event, which in the past has included Hells Angels riders from Auckland, is likely to be low key.
Many Red Devil members are facing criminal charges, and bail conditions meaning they cannot associate with one another, after a large-scale police operation targeting the gxxg last year.
A flyer in city pubs advertises the Nelson Bays Poker Run for Saturday, March 10. Nelson Bays Motorcycle Events is named on the poster.
The Companies Office still lists the address of the organisation as the former Natalie St property police raided last year during their crackdown on the Red Devils.
The 2009 Poker Run created headlines as the group's first public outing.
Detective Sergeant Brett Greer, of Nelson, said police were aware of the run, but did not know who was organising it.
The people involved in Nelson Bays Motorcycle Club Events were facing charges and had bail conditions stating they could not associate with each other, he said.
"Police hope these people are not the organisers of this run as it would be in clear breach of court-imposed conditions if they organised that run or participated in it together."
Mr Greer said some of the people arrested in last year's Operation Explorer, which focused on the Red Devils, had a trial set down for October.
The majority were yet to have trial dates fixed, but it was possible they would be confirmed in the next two to three months.
Sergeant Rob Crawford, of Motueka, said police were monitoring the event, but at this stage expected it to be low key.
Police would have resources available at the last minute should they be needed, he said.
It costs $20 to join the Nelson Bays Poker Run and this year's event, like last year, is in support of MediMax Ambulance.
MediMax managing director Maxwell Clark said a woman had approached him about a month ago and asked if he would be interested in being involved in the event.
The money raised would be used to buy ambulance equipment, Mr Clark said.
He could not say how much was raised in last year's ride.
"Like we said last year, they are supporting us and our ambulance service.
"We believe that they are doing some good in the community."
Mr Clark said Medimax was a private company that provided first-aid services at regional events, and this included a number of motorcycle group activities.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/6467533/March-bikie-poker-run-likely-to-be-low-key
