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The Government says it is tracking well ahead of its violent crime reduction target as it marks one year since its gang laws came into force, with ministers crediting tougher legislation for a significant drop in serious violent offending.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey recorded 147,000 victims of serious violent crime in the 12 months to August. That is 38,000 fewer victims than when the Government took office, and 9,000 fewer than the previous update.
“We announced nine targets in March last year, which included 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, equating to 165,000 victims. We are tracking well ahead of that, although we know there is still more work to do,” Goldsmith said in a statement.
He said the strong progress reflects the impact of the gang-focused law changes introduced under the National–ACT–NZ First coalition.
Read more: Arrests and illicit firearms seized across the country
“Our tough gang laws which came into effect a year ago, as committed to in the National, Act and NZ First coalition agreements, have contributed to that reduction and restoration of law and order. This Government is committed to ensuring criminals face real consequences for their actions, and prioritising victims.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said gang members had faced “a new harsh reality” over the past year.
“One year ago, gangs were confronted with a new harsh reality, one where they can no longer behave as if they’re above the law by taking over our streets, intimidating the public, and making a mockery of our criminal justice system,” he said.
“This is tough legislation. That is the point. Gang members make up less than one quarter of one percent of the New Zealand adult population yet are linked to about 18 percent of serious violent crime. We make no apologies for getting tough on law and order.”
Mitchell dismissed suggestions the return of some seized gang patches suggested the laws were failing.
“The few examples where patches have been returned to gang members is not at all representative of just how successful these laws have been. The numbers speak for themselves.”
Since the Gangs Act 2024 came into force, Ministry of Justice and Police data shows authorities have seized 182 patches, 643 items of gang insignia and 178 firearms.
Police have filed 856 charges for the prohibited display of gang insignia in a public place, with 255 of those charges now finalised and 188 resulting in convictions.
Mitchell acknowledged the work frontline police staff were doing.
“I want to acknowledge and thank our Police who are working hard to hold gang members to account for their behaviour and criminal activities. I am very proud of the work they are doing every day to make our country safer,” he said.
