Gang patch ban takes effect

The story so far

The coalition Government's policy was criticised by the Labour Party as unprincipled lawmaking.^{20, 21 Nov 2024} Police said they would enforce the ban actively from the first day, though Eastern Southland police planned an educational approach and some officers raised concerns about an already stretched workforce.^{21 Nov 2024} Police made at least three arrests in the first days, and 11 people were charged within 24 hours for wearing patched clothing in public, while a gang expert warned that groups may wear substitute patches to get around the ban.^{20, 21, 22 Nov 2024} An officer pictured wearing a gang patch vest over his uniform became the subject of a police investigation.^{24 Nov 2024}

Latest

A Mongrel Mob Barbarians gathering in rural Nelson led to 12 arrests and more than 180 infringement notices, including one arrest for wearing gang insignia.^{1 Dec 2024}

Key moments

1. 20 Nov 2024Expert warns groups may use substitute patches to bypass the ban.
2. 20 Nov 2024Gangs Act 2024 takes effect at midnight, banning public display of insignia.
3. 21 Nov 2024Police make at least three arrests under the new patch ban.
4. 22 Nov 2024Eleven people charged within the first 24 hours of the Act.
5. 24 Nov 2024Police investigate an officer pictured wearing a gang patch vest.
6. 1 Dec 2024Twelve arrests and over 180 infringement notices at Nelson Mongrel Mob gathering.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.