The Gangs Act, which bans the public display of gang patches and insignia, was passed a little over a month ago on 18 September 2024. During the public debate I opposed the law on the grounds that it was the first step on a slippery slope that threatens freedom of speech and association. I didn’t expect to be proven correct so quickly.
While New Zealand has passed laws prohibiting the display of gang symbols, it is yet to follow in the goosesteps of neighbouring Australia where a federal prohibition on the display of Nazi swastikas and salutes commenced in June. However, the Mongrel Mob, which will be on the receiving end of the gang insignia ban when it comes into force, has used the swastika, Nazi salutes and the “sieg heil” chant ever since its formation in the early 1960s. While some Mongrel Mob affiliated gang groups no longer use the “sieg heil” chant, it is still commonplace amongst most factions.
