Gang Patch Ban

The story so far

Before it started, a gang expert warned that gangs might wear substitute insignia to get around the ban, and Labour criticised the changes as unprincipled lawmaking.^{20 Nov 2024} Police said they would enforce the ban 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} Arrests began within a day, and police charged 11 people in the first 24 hours.^{21, 22 Nov 2024} By late February 2025 police had laid more than 3000 charges against gang members, including 337 for insignia breaches, and had seized 76 patches and 67 firearms.^{24 Feb 2025}

Latest

In September 2025 a district court judge ordered police to return a Mongrel Mob patch, ruling that the display involved no public disorder, threats or violence. A gang member is challenging his conviction for wearing a cap with gang insignia, arguing the Act breaches his right to freedom of expression.^{17, 30 Sep 2025} In October 2025 police increased patrols in Waipawa and Flaxmere for two gang tangi, having told gang leaders what they expect about insignia and intimidating conduct.^{13 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 21 Nov 2024The Gangs Act 2024 came into force, making public display of gang insignia illegal.
2. 22 Nov 2024Police charged 11 people in the first 24 hours of the new law.
3. 24 Nov 2024Police investigated an officer pictured wearing a gang patch vest over his uniform.
4. 1 Dec 2024Twelve people were arrested at a Mongrel Mob gathering in rural Nelson.
5. 24 Feb 2025Police reported more than 3000 charges and 337 insignia charges in three months.
6. 4 Mar 2025A lawyer asked the High Court to overturn a conviction under the patch ban.
7. 13 Mar 2025Police issued the first dispersal notices under the new laws to Head Hunters members in Auckland.
8. 17 Sep 2025A judge ordered police to return a seized Mongrel Mob patch.

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