Law enforcement officials have stated that the buying and selling of gang insignia is not illegal, despite the appearance of products featuring patches for sale online. RNZ has observed blankets and plaques with well-known gang symbols being sold on the e-commerce platform Temu.
It was reported that the government implemented a ban on displaying patches in public places last year. However, products featuring logos of gangs such as the Killer Beez, Mongrel Mob, Black Power, and the Headhunters were found on Temu.
While several accounts were identified as sellers of these products, one seller in particular had sold items from both Black Power and the Mongrel Mob. The products were listed as originating from Zhejiang, China.
Despite some products appearing to be altered, a purchaser of a Black Power shower curtain rated it highly, describing it as a great gift. A police spokesperson confirmed that, to their knowledge, the buying and selling of gang insignia is not prohibited by law.
RNZ is currently seeking clarification from the Justice Minister regarding the legality of selling gang patches online. Temu has also been contacted for a response.
‘No point buying it’
Wairoa, a town in Hawke’s Bay, had experienced gang-related incidents earlier this year. Mayor Craig Little expressed surprise at the emergence of products featuring gang patches for sale online.
Little emphasized that there would be no benefit in purchasing such items as they could not be openly displayed without consequence. He mentioned that the ban on gang patches had made a difference in Wairoa, with a noticeable decrease in crime rates and a reduction in the feeling of intimidation among residents.
Little acknowledged that while he could not speak on behalf of the gangs, their insignias were unique to them and not meant for unauthorized use. He concluded by stating that the ban on gang patches had been successful in improving the overall safety and perception of the community.
