The new Police Minister has indicated action's being planned to tackle recent criminal activity - particularly in Auckland

Chris Hipkins took over the portfolio last week from Poto Williams.

Gang tensions have been surging in Auckland, with a series of drive by shootings - alongside a plague of ram raids by very young offenders.

Hipkins says they'll start by looking at young people not engaged in education, employment or training.

He says that number has grown in recent years and re-engaging them will make them less likely to follow a pathway to further trouble.