Signage highlighting a gang patch ban will be placed at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council building due to “recent events”, a spokesperson has confirmed.
On Wednesday, a vote on whether to keep Māori wards was held, which resulted the council retaining them.
After the vote, a video was filmed which showed members of the Mongrel Mob doing a haka while wearing gang patches, celebrating the outcome.
The Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013 prohibits the display of gang insignia on premises of departments of the public service, the police, Crown entities, local authorities, and schools
Yesterday Local Government Minister Simeon Brown told 1News he was disappointed and expected the council to uphold the law.
ACT also criticised the council, saying “this display shows exactly why ACT’s coalition commitment for Hawke’s Bay residents to have their say by secret ballot is so important”.
“It also shows a council with seriously out of touch priorities, a very good example of councils not focusing on their core job.”
In a statement to 1News, a Hawke’s Bay Regional Council spokesperson confirmed that signs will be put up as a reminder of the gang patch ban.
“In light of recent events, the council has had to consider this.”
The council yesterday said yesterday the gang members turned up halfway through the meeting and were respectful.