Hundreds of gang members in New Zealand are preparing for the inaugural “fight club”.

It's an organised boxing match between rival gangs that leaders hope will present a safe way to vent simmering tensions.

Some 60 rival gang members from some of New Zealand’s most notorious chapters – including Black Power, Head Hunters and Nomads – will face off at a Whangarei community centre on Saturday night.

It's the fourth choice of venue after three other options pulled out of the controversial event.

Ex-gang member and fight club organiser Tokomauri Hoterene told Larry Williams security and police will be there and he's not expecting the event to get out of hand.

"All the ticking time bombs have already shown their distaste in regards to the whole night. They've all said 'nah we don't want to come.' The only guys that want to be a part of it are guys who are looking at change. Change for the better."

Mr Hoterene said there are 10 different gangs in Northland and 80 percent of the violence is related to disputes over drugs.

LISTEN ABOVE AS EX-GANG MEMBER TOKOMAURI HOTERENE SPEAKS TO LARRY WILLIAMS ON MIKE HOSKING BREAKFAST