Gangs

Successive governments have tried time and time again to address the ‘gang’ issue in Aotearoa. Some were successful. Others, not so much, Eugene Ryder writes.

The law has been described as a step backwards by researchers who argue it ignores the root causes of crime, such as inequity and poverty.

The new gang patch law came into force at midnight. The first person under the ban was caught at 12.03am on Thursday.

The world first study, involving thousands of hours of research into police practices and community engagement through a fairness and equity lens, is being unveiled this week.

Work is currently underway on a new redress scheme for abuse survivors in line with Tuesday's formal state apology.

Officers are ready to enforce the ban on gang patches, the Assistant Police Commissioner says.

Whakatōhea leader Kylie Poihipi called out the government for making Ōpōtiki look bad to the rest of the country.

The iwi, based in the eastern part of Te Moana-a-Toitehuatahi, says raids on 15 homes led to 22 arrests but also adversely affected 37 mokopuna.

Police have warned of potential traffic disruption from a gang-related funeral in the Wellington area on Tuesday.

Advocates are concerned about police search powers that extend beyond homes of gang members