KEY POINTS:
Mongrel Mob
The Mongrel Mob has been active in New Zealand since the 1960s, with its members predominantly from Maori and Pacific communities. The gang is involved in drug dealing, armed robberies, assaults and theft. Patched Mongrel Mob members were responsible for the killing of 2-year-old Jhia Te Tua on May 5 last year. Te Tua's father was a member of the Mongrel Mob's main rival, Black Power.
Black Power
Unlike the Mongrel Mob, which recruits members regardless of their ethnicity, Black Power is a Maori organisation. Formed in the early 1970s, the gang has sought credibility as a political civil rights movement but this has not reduced criminal activity. Rifts are said to have emerged within the gang between older members and more recent recruits who are dealing in hard drugs, such as P.
Hell's Angels
Harley Davidsons are the bike of choice for international motorcycle gang Hell's Angels, who have been active in New Zealand since the early 1960s. The gang is involved in organised crime such as money laundering and drug manufacturing and dealing. Police believe the gang is now co-operating with other gangs in the production and selling of methamphetamines.
Tribesmen
The new gang on the block in Wanganui, police say they have seen an increased presence from the gang since they launched a crackdown on the Mongrel Mob following Jhia's death. Operating across the North Island, members have been convicted of everything from methamphetamine manufacture to murder.
