Security guard’s licence revoked for gang ties, firearms charges

Police said Hina had either concealed the fact he was a patched member of the Mongrel Mob at the time of his 2023 application or had become a patched member since being granted a security certificate.

A man police say is a patched Mongrel Mob member facing unlawful firearms charges has had his security certificate revoked less than two years after receiving it.

Police asked the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority to cancel Aaron Hina’s certificate of approval, saying he either concealed the fact he was a patched member of the Mongrel Mob from police at the time of his 2023 application, or had become a patched member since being granted a certificate.

In a recently released authority decision, police said Hina is a patched member currently facing charges of unlawful possession of a rifle part and ammunition.

When Hina applied for a certificate of approval in 2023, he was advised close association with the Mongrel Mob could prevent his certificate from being granted or him retaining his certificate, the decision said.

“Mr Hina is now validated by police as a patched member of the Mongrel Mob. Police have social media images of Mr Hina wearing a patch and other gang clothing and evidence of close association with other gang members.”

On December 19, 2024, police had stopped an unregistered and unwarranted vehicle being driven by Hina, the decision said.

The vehicle was impounded, and a subsequent search of the vehicle found .22-calibre rifle rounds and a bolt from a .22-calibre rifle.

Hina did not hold a driving or firearms licence and was charged with driving while forbidden to drive and unlawful possession of ammunition and a rifle part.

Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority chairwoman Patricia McConnell said in the decision that based on the evidence before her, she was satisfied that Hina was no longer suitable to be a security worker and his certificate should be cancelled as a result.

The Mongrel Mob was classified as a criminal gang, the decision said. It was involved in criminal activities and had a strong hierarchical structure.

“That structure means that Mr Hina could be required to carry out orders from above, some of which are likely to directly conflict with the standards and conduct required of a security guard.”

If Hina was convicted on the firearm and ammunition charges, the convictions were likely to be grounds for disqualification.

McConnell ordered Hina’s certificate of approval to be cancelled immediately.

Hina was ordered to return his security identification to the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority within seven days of receiving the decision.

Al Williams is an Open Justice reporter for the New Zealand Herald, based in Christchurch. He has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas for the last 16 years. Most recently he was editor of the HC Post, based in Whangamatā. He was previously deputy editor of Cook Islands News.