Police in Whangarei are preparing for an influx of gang members this weekend.

They'll be attending the tangi for Tribesmen member John Henry Harris, who died after being shot in the chest this week.

He was dropped off at the city's St John Ambulance station, but staff couldn't save him.

Police say a dispute over a vehicle was behind the shooting and involved other members of the Tribesmen Motorcycle Club.

Detective Inspector Kevin Burke says gang members from across the North Island are expected to attend.

Extra staff from Auckland have been drafted in.