Police Minister Mark Mitchell has announced that two more gangs are being added to the Gangs Act list, taking the total to 37.
The addition of the TwoEight Brotherhood and the Bloods followed an Order approved by Cabinet on Monday.
“This means the public display of their insignia will be prohibited, and their members subject to Police dispersal notices, and court issued non-consorting orders,” Mitchell said.
“Repeat offenders continually convicted of displaying their patches in public will be subject to a court order, prohibiting them from possessing any gang insignia either in public or private for five years.
“Greater weight will also be given to gang membership at sentencing, enabling courts to enact more severe punishments.”
Criteria to be listed as an identified gang include a common name or identifying signs, symbols, or representation, being currently active, and having members or associates who have committed category 3 or 4 offences, such as serious violence, firearms, and drug dealing.
The gangs will be added to the list from February 3, 2025.
Mitchell said the Government had shown through laws passed that “gangs are not above the law” and that police were being backed with the tools required to go after gangs.
“Police are doing an outstanding job of enforcing our new gang laws, and the message is very clear – if you break the law, expect a response.
“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.”