Strict laws make gang life uncomfortable

The Honourable Paul Goldsmith
Minister of Justice

Legislation passed by Parliament today will give police and the courts extra tools to crack down on gangs spreading mischief and intimidation across New Zealand, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said.

“From November 21, gang insignia will be banned in all public places, courts will be able to issue injunctions to prevent gatherings, and police will be able to ban criminal gangs from working together and communicating.

“Gang membership will also carry more weight in sentencing, allowing courts to impose harsher sentences, as set out in the National Act and the NZ First Coalition agreements.

“Gang membership has increased by 51 percent in the past five years, while violent crime has increased by 33 percent. This government is committed to restoring law and order.

“Repeat offenders who are repeatedly convicted of publicly displaying their badges will be given a new court order banning them from possessing gang insignia in public or private for five years.

“Gang insignia displayed in a private vehicle also falls under the patch ban.

“Police will be better equipped to tackle disruptive gang events, with the power to issue dispersal orders to break up public gang gatherings and to impose a ban on those involved from associating for the week following the event.

“Court-issued non-gathering orders will ban the most serious gang offenders from associating and communicating with each other for three years if there is a risk they will plan or commit further gang crime.

“Gang members make up less than a quarter of one percent of New Zealand’s adult population, yet are associated with 18 percent of all serious violent crime, 19 percent of all murders, 23 percent of all firearms offences, 25 percent of all kidnappings and abductions, and 25 percent of all drug-related harm.

“This government wants to ensure that there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029 and that serious youth crime is reduced by 15 percent.

“Part of that is ensuring that gang members can no longer wreak havoc in our communities. Our message to them is clear: the days of acting like you’re above the law are over.”

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