Ban on public display of gang insignia is part of a wider crackdown on gangs that some experts say could infringe on rights while doing nothing to cut gang membership
New Zealand’s gangs will need to hide their gang patches or face prosecution after a new law banning gang insignia in public came into force on Thursday – a move critics believe could risk breaching the Bill of Rights and do little to reduce gang membership.
Three minutes after the ban came into effect, a Mongrel Mob member based in Hastings was arrested for displaying a large Mongrel Mob sign on the dashboard of his car, the police confirmed to the Guardian. He was issued a summons to appear in court and the sign was confiscated, police said.“The free ride for gangs is over,” said Paul Goldsmith, the minister for justice.
Those who have been prosecuted for breaching the gang patch ban three times will also be banned from wearing the patch at home, and police will have increased powers to search homes if they suspect members still have insignia. “If we come across anyone wearing gang insignia in public, we won’t be taking the excuse of ignorance as a defence.”and hold a complex space in society: while they can be linked to violence and crime, they can also act as forces forMembers of the country’s largest gang, the Mongrel Mob, are a familiar sight in many provincial towns and cities, and it is common for members to have insignia, including bulldogs, tattooed on their faces. Tattoos and coloured clothing have been excluded from the ban.
Others said the ban was a human rights issue: “it’s taking away our freedom. I don’t go tell what to wear.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jillaroos meeting New Zealand in first match since 2023 final lossIsabelle Kelly has described Australia's last-start loss to New Zealand as her hardest day in a Jillaroos jersey as the side targets redemption in Christchurch.
Read more »
Tonga stun New Zealand in Auckland epic to qualify for first finalTonga have held on to beat New Zealand 25-24 in a thriller and qualify for their first ever tier-one final.
Read more »
Tonga stun New Zealand in Auckland epic to qualify for first finalTonga have held on to beat New Zealand 25-24 in a thriller and qualify for their first ever tier-one final.
Read more »
‘Ticking time bomb’, ‘worst shot of his career’ - savage reactions to India’s first home loss in 12 yearsCricket: New Zealand have made history by winning their first test series in India.
Read more »
‘Embarrassing stuff’, ‘painful to watch’... inside Indian icon’s five-year Test declineCricket: New Zealand have made history by winning their first test series in India.
Read more »
Jetstar unveils $165 flights to New Zealand in massive new saleJetstar has slashed prices on flights across the Tasman Sea with one-way airfares as low as $165 for Aussies looking to lap up New Zealand.
Read more »