Police crack down on gang wear.
New Zealand Police have made their first arrests under the recently implemented gang patch ban, following a swift response to alleged breaches. On November 21st, two individuals were apprehended: one in Wairoa for wearing a patch at a supermarket, and another in Papakura, observed displaying Mongrel Mob insignia on their street. This development comes just three minutes after the legislation took effect in Hastings, where Police seized a car dashboard display of the same insignia. According to Police Minister Mark Mitchell, compliance with the law is high, but he warns that enforcement action will continue to be taken against those who fail to comply. The ban aims to curb gang-related activities by restricting visible displays of gang affiliation.