File photo. Mongrel mob gang members are out in large numbers as they attend a tangi in Porirua, October 2024. Photo: RNZ/Reece Baker
Police have called in extra staff and additional resources to the Tauranga area to monitor a gang-connected funeral.
Gang members and associates are expected to travel into Western Bay of Plenty for the funeral of a prominent Mongrel Mob figure, police said.
"While it is important to provide a space for family and friends to pay their respects, we want to remind those planning to attend the funeral to make smart decisions and not publicly display gang insignia," Acting Western Bay of Plenty area commander Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson said."
"No unlawful activity will be accepted, including breaches of the new Gangs Act, which came into effect last week," he said
Staff from across Bay of Plenty and other districts would be in the Tauranga area on Thursday to support Western Bay of Plenty police.
"We will maintain an increased presence, monitoring movements of gang members and associates, and will be ready to respond if required."
Under the Gangs Act, insignia is banned in public places, police are able to break up large groups in public "if they are causing fear and intimidation" and police can issue non-consorting orders to stop gang members from associating or communicating for up to three years.
Those breaking the law will be arrested, have their patches seized, and face prosecution. Being a member of a gang can now also an aggravating factor in sentencing.
In the first 24 hours of the ban a gang chapter president's patch was seized and on Sunday night a shirt was seized from a man who took a person to hospital after crash.
