New Zealand Executive Government News Release Archive

The Minister of Police, the Hon John Luxton appeared before the Justice and Law Reform Select Committee today and expressed his concern over the criminal activities of gangs in New Zealand.

"The Government is responding to the concerns raised both by local communities and Police over the criminal activities of gangs. We have been working for some months on the issues. I am committed to seeing some key legislative changes taking place to ensure that gangs are sent a very strong message that their activities and behaviour are not acceptable to New Zealanders," said Mr Luxton.

"Police have advised me of a number of areas that the Government needs to look at to ensure that Police have sufficient legislative powers to deal more effectively with gangs," said Mr Luxton.

"Officials in both Police and Justice have been considering the issues on instructions from Ministers, and I have also been discussing Police needs with my colleague, the Minister of Justice, the Hon Douglas Graham.

"I have no doubt that gangs are using intimidation and endeavouring to create a climate of fear within some communities. Just this week, I have had a letter from a person describing in considerable detail, what it is like living next to a fortified gang house. The behaviour that they have had to put up with, is in my view totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

"Gangs who are anti-social in their behaviour, and involved in criminal activities are unfortunately, becoming more sophisticated.

"I am concerned with the evidence that I have been provided with, of growing links between the motorbike gangs and organised crime on an international scale. These links need to be identified and we need to ensure that a very strong message is sent to these gangs that New Zealand will do everything it can to prevent them establishing their organisations in our country," the Minister said.

"Current legislation has been adequate in enabling Police to be reactive to the criminal activity of gangs. We have had very successful Police operations in Timaru, Horowhenua and Wairarapa. In Christchurch, seven gang members have been imprisoned on rioting charges and six Road Knights gang members have been arrested on charges including attempted murder relating to two drive-by shootings.

"However, being reactive does not assist our Police in a long-term strategy for stopping these gangs carrying out criminal activity. A key element used by overseas Police is that of pre-emptive action. To provide this will most likely require some amendment in two areas of legislation.

"First in the rules governing the use electronic interception for surveillance of gang criminal activity, and secondly, for Police to be more able to stop vehicles on the suspicion of criminal activity.

"We know, that for organised crime, violence is a major element in the way they manage their activities. This use of intimidation of people may also require legislative change. These changes I believe can have a major impact on reducing gang activity and in protecting our communities," the Minister stated.

"Whilst the numbers involved in gangs are still small by overseas comparisons, I want to ensure that Police are in a stronger position to deal with the potential which exists for a growth in gangs.

"My priority as Police Minister, is to ensure that the criminal activity of gangs is curtailed and that the Police are given every support in combating gangs and their criminal activities.

"As I said earlier, my colleague the Minister of Justice is currently working on developing the Government's response to the need for such legislative changes. Local communities can be reassured that the Government wants to ensure that such changes will help make our communities safer," concluded Mr Luxton.  

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