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Wanganui authorities already disagree over the enforcement of a new ban on gang patches, as gang members prepare to march the city's streets in protest.
Wanganui District Council banned gang insignia from the city at its meeting on Monday, and the bylaw came into force at midnight.
The bylaw gives police powers to fine patch wearers $2,000 and to take their gang insignia from them.
Where do you stand on the gang patches ban? Have your say on our messageboard below.
Black Power is planning a mass ride through Wanganui around lunchtime Tuesday to protest the bylaw.
Member and rally organiser Denis O'Reilly says the council's issues with gangs have nothing to do with their patches.
Acting area commander Inspector Greg Hudson says any arrests on Tuesday will "depend on the circumstances".
Police will take a commonsense approach and enforce the bylaw on a case-by-case basis, he says.
But Mayor Michael Laws told Radio New Zealand gang members who wear their gang patches in protest on Tuesday will be arrested.
"If there is protest and they're wearing their gang patches, we'd be delighted to arrest them.
"Honestly, Wanganui is going to become a very, very uncomfortable place if you're a gang member or gang associate from now on. And we're delighted it's going to be ... uncomfortable for them."
Laws describes the bylaw as "a triumph for decency and democracy".
"We are the first city and council in New Zealand to say 'enough' to the predations and petty terrorism of gangs.
"Now it is time for the rest of New Zealand to follow our lead. We don't have to put up with these criminals who are intent upon undermining our society. They must not be tolerated."
But local gang members say they won't take the ruling lying down, and some councillors are siding with them.
"My concern is that this is giving a false impression of Wanganui and that's always been my concern about it. We haven't got a gang problem in Wanganui," says councillor Rob Vinsen.
Where do you stand on the gang patches ban? Have your say on our messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentShanny said on 2009-12-01 @ 21:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
bsides how do you know all these things?? did you watch it on tv?? rather opinionated for someone who has absolutely no idea of gang life or mentality. Believe what you know for a fact is true not based on what you watched on tv lastnite.
Shanny said on 2009-12-01 @ 20:43 NZDT: Report abusive post
In response to...... (LAYMAN) Do you really think that would be the most logical move for the government to make?? Do you really think banning gangs altogether is going to be an effective solution to such a controversial issue? I strongly disagree with your opinion!!! Who's to say gang members are any worse then any of us? the only reason they are so highly targeted nower days is because of steriotypical attitudes and exhaduration that everything they do is because of their "gang affiliations"
Lauriem said on 2009-09-08 @ 23:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
I say punish bad behaviour. The problem with banning things that people wear is that it has the potential to get out of hand and stop any freedom of expression and infringe civil liberties. The rule is for all, so there is potential for local government to stop other people wearing what they want. Does this stop at gang members or does it extend to everyone. Do Liverpool United jerseys become legislated against for example?
Bevan white said on 2009-09-08 @ 13:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im for this law it sets the right initiatives on gangs in NZ and so far this news says a gang member has been fined and a patch confiscated thus dealt the first blow of this law and its maximum punishment is imprisonment. The laws purpose is to reduces intimidation and help police to police the gang issue that means the law is working. Hes in police books now as a known gang member before there were loop holes as to confirm that fact and I can see Ron marks ban on gangs law coming in the future
b3h3m0th666 said on 2009-09-07 @ 13:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
I do not agree with Gang patches at all, but this is what we would class as socialization. This is where society believes one is not "accepted" and a pressures one to change to function properly in society. Generally what tends to happen, if one does not accept what is happening they tend to be punished by society. As what is happening with the gang members. Not all are as bad as what is portrayed. The patch is an intimidating symbol and I believe this is the reason why society has chosen this