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Story: Gangs

Patch, colours and salute

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Patch, colours and salute

Gangs identify themselves to other members, rival gangs and the public by patches, colours, insignia and salutes. The Mongrel Mob's colour is red. Facial and body tattoos of insignia are also common. All Mob patches feature a version of the gang's symbol, the bulldog, often wearing a studded collar.

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Reference: 13447

by John Cowpland

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How to cite this page

Greg Newbold and Rāwiri Taonui, Gangs – Māori gangs and Pacific youth gangs, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/28248/patch-colours-and-salute (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Greg Newbold and Rāwiri Taonui, published 30 March 2011, reviewed and revised 2 October 2018 with assistance from Jarrod Gilbert, updated 1 April 2020.