New Zealand’s Gangs Act 2024: What You Need to Know
- vfransham4
- Dec 7, 2024
- 2 min read
At midnight tonight, New Zealand’s Gangs Act 2024 comes into effect, introducing stricter laws aimed at curbing gang activity. Police have stated they are “as prepared as we can be” to enforce the new legislation, which bans gang patches in public, introduces non-consorting orders, and imposes harsher sentences for gang-related crimes.
What the Gangs Act 2024 Enforces
• Public Patch Ban: Gang members will no longer be allowed to wear patches in public. Even images of deceased loved ones wearing gang insignia are included in the ban, raising concerns about cultural implications for marae and urupā.
• Non-Consorting Orders: Courts can now restrict specified gang members from communicating or associating with one another.
• Aggravating Factor in Sentencing: Gang membership will be considered an aggravating factor in court, allowing judges to impose stricter sentences.
• Patch Possession Restrictions: Repeated violations of the public patch ban can result in offenders being prohibited from owning patches for several years, whether in public or private.
Government’s Perspective
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has defended the legislation, stating:
“The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight. To earn the right to wear a gang patch, one must have committed violent crime, leaving victims and tears in their wake.”
Similarly, Police Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized the need for tough measures, citing alarming statistics:
• Gangs make up less than 0.25% of New Zealand’s adult population but are linked to:
• 18% of serious violent crimes.
• 19% of homicides.
• 23% of firearm-related offenses.
Enforcement Readiness
Specialized district gang units, supported by 77 dedicated Gang Disruption Officers and 25 national officers, have been established to enforce the laws. Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham assured the public that there will be no grace period for compliance.
“We’ve worked behind the scenes to ensure training and systems are ready for immediate enforcement.”
Community Concerns
Despite the government’s firm stance, community leaders and advocates, including the Iwi Chairs Forum, have voiced concerns over the impact of these laws on families. Rahui Papa, co-chair of Pou Tangata, urged police to apply discretion to prevent further harm to tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren):
“Families will be disrupted, and young ones will be exposed to the fallout if discretion isn’t exercised.”
Conclusion
While the Gangs Act 2024 seeks to tackle gang-related crime, its broader social implications remain a topic of debate. As the laws take effect, both their enforcement and impact on affected communities will be closely watched.
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