Rivalry aside as gangs protest against bylaw

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Black Power and the Mongrel Mob two gangs with a history of violent rivalry stood just metres apart as they voiced their united disgust at the Wanganui gang-patch bylaw.

The gang members were among 200 people who gathered at lunchtime yesterday in Majestic Square, in the city centre, to protest against the new law.

Although no arrests were made during the protest, a 21-year-old Tribesman became the first man charged under the law when he was stopped by police for speeding while riding his motorcycle in Alma Rd at 12.40pm.

Acting area commander Inspector Greg Hudson said the local man had his patch confiscated and would appear in Wanganui District Court today.

Wanganui District Council adopted the bylaw on Monday, giving police the power to arrest anyone wearing gang patches or insignia within the city limits.

Those failing to comply risk a $2000 fine and the confiscation of the item.

About 20 Black Power members took part in the protest, and mingled among themselves for about five minutes before departing.

Although they left their patches at home, many wore blue hats or T-shirts the gang's colour.

Black Power spokesman Denis O'Reilly said he expected some of the group to be arrested.

"They're civil rights activists wearing what might be proscribed as gang regalia so maybe it's a pick and choose thing and maybe it's got to do with behaviour."

He said the legislation was a farce, but Black Power members would not openly resist it.

Gang leaders had spoken to police before the protest and decided not to wear their patches.

"If people choose to break the law they need to be prepared for the consequences," Mr O'Reilly said.

Among Mongrel Mob members present were Wanganui president Randall Nahona and Luke Check, whose brother Karl was found guilty in December of the 2007 murder of two-year-old Jhia Te Tua, the daughter of a Black Power member.

One member of the group told The Dominion Post that the bylaw "sucks".

Mr Hudson said the gang members were not arrested because the bylaw which forbids gang signs, signals or representations did not necessarily extend to the wearing of colours.

Mayor Michael Laws said the protest was a damp squib and local eccentrics had undermined Black Power's attempt to be taken seriously.

Mike Hills, who donned a faux-gang patch on the back of his business suit, said the bylaw would not make a difference.

"We're down here making sure that the erosion of our civil liberties isn't part of solving the social epidemic of crime and gang behaviour."

- © Fairfax NZ News