Story: Gangs

Michael Laws and the patch ban (2nd of 2)

Michael Laws and the patch ban

Michael Laws, the mayor of Whanganui, and his council passed a bylaw in August 2009 to ban gang patches from the central city area and other specified public places. Until it was found to be unlawful in 2011, the Prohibition of Gang Insignia bylaw gave police powers to fine patch wearers $2,000 and confiscate their gang insignia. Many pubs ban patrons from wearing patches because they incite drunken fights with members of other gangs.

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How to cite this page:

Greg Newbold and Rāwiri Taonui, 'Gangs - Gangs and society', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/cartoon/28264/michael-laws-and-the-patch-ban (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Greg Newbold and Rāwiri Taonui, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 2 Oct 2018, updated 1 Apr 2020 with assistance from Jarrod Gilbert