Henare Backs Gang Patch Law Repeal as Early Voting Opens in Tāmaki Makaurau

Atereano Mateariki Peeni Henare | Henare Backs Gang Patch Law Repeal as Early Voting Opens in Tāmaki Makaurau

Download Audio

As early voting opens today for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, Labour candidate Peeni Henare’s stance on the gang patch law is drawing attention.

At last week’s Ngā Whare Waatea debate, Henare said “āe” to repealing the law banning gang paraphernalia in public spaces—despite Labour’s official position being to retain it.

“I believe that that particular bill has done nothing. What we continue to see is gang numbers have increased, and crime seems to be increasing regardless of what they’ve done with that particular piece of legislation,” says Henare.

Henare says his view is personal and shaped by whānau experience, and he advocates for supporting whānau to address the root causes of crime.

Early voting is now underway, with election day set for Saturday, September 6.

RELATED NEWS

Cult collaboration readies Kiwa for dubbing boom Taitokerau executive represents wahine in Washington DC Andrew Connelly – bowel cancer