New Zealand cracks down on gangs, pastor seeks to heal

New Zealand is implementing a ban on gang patches and insignia in public areas as part of a broader government strategy to curb gang influence and activity. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared, "To the gangs, I say this: you are no longer above the law." This measure is accompanied by strengthened non-consorting laws and expanded prison facilities.

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To the gangs, I say this: you are no longer above the law.

The government's law-and-order approach targets outlaw motorcycle clubs and street gangs, which are disproportionately represented in crime statistics. The ban aims to disrupt gang identity and presence in public life, but some argue it fails to address the underlying issues that drive individuals to join gangs.

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In our world, we call it QBE, qualified by experience

Pastor Lucky Te Koha, a former gang member himself, is working within these communities, believing that punitive measures alone are insufficient. He focuses on addressing the root causes of gang affiliation, particularly among Māori communities and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who often harbor deep mistrust of authorities.

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I don't go in there and tell them they have to leave the gang.

Te Koha's approach is unconventional. He engages with gang members, including those from rival chapters like the Mongrel Mob and Black Power, viewing their chapters as extended families or "whānau." Instead of demanding they leave their gangs, he works to influence the environment around them, focusing on homes, relationships, and the well-being of children growing up in these complex social structures. His methods, which include swearing from the pulpit and riding a motorbike, have earned him access to spaces typically off-limits to traditional religious leaders.

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We come from a world of silence