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Police say they’ve filed more than 3000 charges against gang members since the introduction of the Gangs Act in late November.
Between November 21 and February 19, police officers have filed 337 charges for insignia breaches and 3037 charges for other offending including serious violence, drugs, and firearms across the country.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the charges are a result of targeted enforcement action against those causing fear and harm in communities.
“Our expectations around this legislation have been clear from the very beginning – if you wear a gang patch in public, or display a sign or symbol associated with a gang, you can expect police attention – and these numbers demonstrate that.
“They also paint a picture of other very serious offending committed by those in or connected to gangs, including possession of illicit drugs and unlawful firearms and violence.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commissioner Chambers are today Monday visiting the Gang Disruption Unit in the Counties Manukau Police District to celebrate what police say “the success of Operation Nickel” – a nationally-led plan to support all police staff with the new enforcement powers.
Operation Nickel ran from November 21 to January 31.
“Police around the country have done an outstanding job from planning right through to implementation on the frontline,” Chambers says.
“Nationwide, we continue to see generally high levels of compliance with the Act.
“In the months before the legislation came into effect, police met with gangs to ensure they were clear on our enforcement approach and to encourage them to make good choices.
“The high level of compliance we’re seeing now reflects the fact most gangs have exercised good judgement.
“We acknowledge and continue to encourage that,” Chambers says.
“It’s a positive start and my staff continue to follow up reported breaches, either at the time of the offence or at a later date.
“The policing of gangs is and will remain an all-of-police priority.”
As announced last year, police say the work of Operation Cobalt will be continued through district staff including Gang Disruption Units and coordinated by the police’s National Gang Unit (NGU).
Operation Cobalt ran across all 12 police districts for two and a half years, with 107,073 charges filed, police say.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and successes of all those staff involved in Operation Cobalt, from national coordinators to frontline teams that have made a real impact in combatting gang-related crime,” Chambers says.
“It’s pleasing to see the NGU, and District Gang Disruption Units up and running, assisting with search warrants, investigations and helping apprehend priority offenders.
“Police will take every opportunity to enforce the law. The pressure on gang members is not going away.”
Policing gangs – by the numbers (Police figures supplied)
Operation Nickel/Gangs Act (November 21, 2024, to February 19, 2025):
- 76 patches seized.
- 316 additional insignia items seized.
- 337 insignia breach charges under Gangs Act.
- 3037 other charges against gang members (including drugs, firearms, serious violence).
- 67 firearms seized from gang members.
- No dispersal notices, non-consorting charges or prohibition orders have been issued.
Operation Cobalt (June 2022 to December 2024):
- 1954 search warrants.
- 1069 warrantless searches.
- 107,073 charges filed.
- 143,610 IONs issued (traffic-related offending).
- 757 firearms seized.
