The Government has announced a range of measures aimed at “restoring law and order” by providing police new tools to crack down on criminal gangs.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell said “over the last five years gangs have recruited more than 3000 members, a 51 per cent increase.

“At the same time, we’ve seen a significant escalation in gang-related violence, public intimidation and shootings, with violent crime up 33 percent.

“We need to take action and reduce gangs’ ability to engage in criminal behaviour and prevent them from further endangering and intimidating Kiwis.  

“That is why, as part of National and ACT’s coalition agreement, the Government will introduce legislation to ban all gang insignia in public places, and create greater powers to stop criminal gangs from gathering in groups and communicating. 

“Police will be able to issue dispersal notices, which will require gang members to immediately leave the area and not associate with one another for seven days. 

“Courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, which will stop specified gang offenders from associating or communicating with one another for up to three years.” 

  The law will also be changed to give greater weight to gang membership as an aggravating factor at sentencing, enabling courts to impose more severe punishments.

  Minister of Police Mark Mitchell said New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, communities and public places.   

“For too long gangs have been allowed to behave as if they are above the law. There is no tolerance for this behaviour and these new laws will support Police to take action against it.”