Wanganui's gang patch ban to stay

Former Wanganui mayor Michael Laws. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Wanganui's new mayor Annette Main says she has no intention of trying to overturn the city's gang patch ban.

The controversial bylaw, introduced last year, bans gang members from wearing patches or other regalia in public and was championed by former mayor Michael Laws.

Ms Main said she intended to focus on addressing the social causes that led young people to join gangs rather than repeal the bylaw.

"The fact is that despite the bylaw, most gang members have remained in Wanganui and we need to acknowledge that gang membership remains attractive for some young people, particularly those lacking stable families and role models, and who feel alienated and economically deprived."

However, said the absence of "visible signs of a gang presence" was helping some residents feel safer and less intimidated, she said.

She also said she needed help from other sectors of the community to address gang-related problems.

"I'm a middle-aged Pakeha woman. I'm not the kind of role model they're looking for," she said.

Meanwhile new councillor Jack Bullock, the 20-year-old son of Wanganui's Hells Angels president, said despite initial reservations, he also supported the ban as it helped people feel safer.

Mr Bullock said although Hells Angels were challenging the bylaw in the High Court, Black Power and Mongrel Mob chapters appeared to have accepted the ban.

Last week, Ms Main said the bylaw was not working and had given Wanganui a bad reputation.

"The gangs have not gone away. We just don't know who they are anymore," she told The Dominion Post.

Mr Laws responded by saying Ms Main's comments placed her on a "collision course with both the council and the community should she seek to translate them into action".

He said he was "stunned" by Ms Main's view as police data supported the effectiveness of the bylaw.

- NZPA