Councils asked for backing on gang-patch ban

The bill's author, National MP Todd McClay, says a ban would help the public to feel safer. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Councils are being formally asked if they would support a ban on gang patches at hospitals, schools and local government-controlled buildings.

Under a draft private member's bill modelled on a ban Wanganui imposed, gang insignia would be forbidden in all public service departments and other Crown property, with the exception of Housing New Zealand homes and Department of Conservation land.

But the bill's author, Rotorua MP Todd McClay, is this week writing to all mayors for their thoughts on extending the ban to all public buildings.

"A couple of councils have said they would like these kinds of restrictions also because they can't really do it by way of bylaw," Mr McClay said.

"There seems to be support building for this among councils. What's the difference between a public hospital and a council swimming pool? As far as the public's desire to feel safe and free from intimidation, it's the same."

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said such decisions were a matter for individual councils.

Three months ago, the High Court ruled that Wanganui's ban on gang patches was unlawful. Mayor Annette Main says her council is looking at drafting a new bylaw.

"We've also said that we would talk to the Government about any opportunity for them nationally leading the way on this."

Ms Main said Wanganui's ban had worked well while it was in force. "Certainly, the presence of gang patches was absent, and while there's been incidents of seeing one or two of them since, there hasn't been a whole onslaught of gang insignia around the place."

Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell was keen to see the bill extended to local government but said Mr McClay first needed the support of the police and key councils.

"It's early days, but I think he needs the bigger mayors to get right in behind it, otherwise it's not going to be a goer."

Mr McClay's bill has yet to be drawn in a ballot for debate in Parliament.