Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A gang member walking into Taumarunui Police Station wearing a hat with Mongrel Mob insignia is among the recent charges laid for breaching new laws.
Last week, the new gang patch law came into effect.
It means gang 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.
A 33-year-old man had his cap seized and was issued a summons to appear in the Taumarunui District Court on a charge of displaying gang insignia in a public place after he walked into a police station on an unrelated matter.
Overall, police were "very pleased" with the level of compliance, assistant commissioner Paul Basham said.
"The fact we have taken a number of different prosecutions proves that police will not hesitate to enforce these laws, and serves as a reminder to those considering wearing or displaying gang insignia to continue making the right choices."
But a number of gang members were still flouting the rules and wearing gang patches in public.
They included a Mongrel Mob member in a firearms incident in Auckland and a Black Power member involved in a serious assault in Christchurch.
