This Government bill — Parts 1 to 4 of the omnibus Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, divided out at the committee stage — aims to reduce gang harm through new offences and Police powers. It prohibits the display of gang insignia in public places, provides for dispersal notices that Police can use to break up gang gatherings, and creates non-consorting orders that stop specified gang offenders from associating or communicating with each other for 3 years. The policy statement cites recorded growth in gang membership, escalating gang-related violent crime, and the intimidating effect of gang insignia and gatherings on communities. It passed its third reading 68–55 on 19 September 2024 (one combined division with the Sentencing Amendment Bill) and is now law.
This bill aims to reduce gang harm through new offences and Police powers. It prohibits the display of gang insignia in public places, provides for dispersal notices that Police can use to break up gang gatherings, and creates non-consorting orders that stop specified gang offenders from associating or communicating for three years. Its policy statement cites growth in gang membership, escalating gang-related violent crime, and the intimidating effect of insignia and gatherings on communities.
Supporters argue that visible gang activity intimidates the public and that stronger powers help Police disrupt gangs and improve community safety. Others raise concerns about the effectiveness and civil-liberties implications of insignia bans, dispersal notices, and non-consorting orders, and whether such measures address the drivers of gang membership.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.