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A law-and-order commitment of the National-led coalition that gives police and the courts new powers to target criminal gangs, most visibly by banning gang insignia in public places. Police began enforcing the patch ban within minutes of the law taking effect.
Its journey through Parliament
Central to the government’s crime agenda and a key dividing line on policing versus civil liberties.
Supporters argue the ban curbs the public intimidation gangs use to assert control. Critics, including some legal groups, question whether it will reduce gang harm or simply displace it, and raise civil-liberties concerns about criminalising the display of insignia.
National-led government; Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.
Now law and in force since 21 November 2024.
The legislation behind this, with where it has got to.
Neutral summary, January 2026 knowledge cut-off, confirm any later changes at the official source. Politika does not take a side.
