The free ride for gangs ended yesterday as new patch laws take effect, announced Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell.

“Tonight, that changes," Mr Mitchell said on Wednesday.
 
"With the establishment of district gang units, Police are ready to make maximum use of the new tools to target disruptive gang events, and enforce the new gang laws."
 
Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public.  To earn the right to wear a gang patch you have to have committed violent crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said.  

“Gangs in our country think they’re above the law and can choose which laws they comply with, and this Government does not accept that.  We have a justice system that applies equally to everyone," Mr Goldsmith said.

New laws will take effect tonight, banning gang insignia in public places. Per the coalition agreements between the National Party and NZ First, courts can issue non-consorting orders, enabling police to prevent communication and association among criminal gang members.
 
Greater weight will also be given to gang membership at sentencing, enabling courts to impose more severe punishments.

 Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Photo / file

“Repeat offenders continually convicted of displaying their patches in public will be subject to a new court order, prohibiting them from possessing any gang insignia either in public or private for five years,” Mr Goldsmith said.
  
Gang members make up less than one-quarter of one per cent of the New Zealand adult population, but are linked to 18 per cent of all serious violent crime, 19 per cent of all homicides and 23 per cent of all firearms offences.
 
“Our message to the gangs is clear, the days of behaving like you are above the law are over," Mr Mitchell said.
 
“This Government is serious about restoring law and order, backing Police with more powers and tools to tackle gangs, disrupt criminal behaviour, and keep Kiwis safe.”