Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst asked for the topic of enacting a bylaw prohibiting gang patches in specified public places to be explored. Photo / Warren Buckland
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst asked for the topic of enacting a bylaw prohibiting gang patches in specified public places to be explored. Photo / Warren Buckland
Hastings' mayor might not be allowed to ban gang patches at local parks, but she says her community won't tolerate them being branded with gang insignia.
Akina Park's facilities were "seriously" damaged over the weekend, with a large gang tag depicting the word 'Mob' and the gang's bulldog logo paintedon the back of a shelter in the park.
The park's playground was smashed and shattered glass bottles were scattered around the shelter.
Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst put forward an informal recommendation to ban gang patches in council premises' in Hastings to council in February, and says there's "enormous community concern" about increasing gang activity in town.
In a bylaw review meeting on February 11, Hazlehurst asked to add a topic to explore enacting a bylaw that prohibits the wearing of gang patches in specified public places, council land and council buildings.
The areas would include council facilities like libraries, pools and associated grounds.
However, a bylaw banning gang insignia "limits the rights of freedom of expression held by gang members" and would be a breach of the Bill of Rights, the meeting's attendees were told.
A large gang mural was graffitied on the back of a shelter in Akina Park. Photo / Warren Buckland
Hazlehurst told Hawke's Bay Today it was the responsibility of the community to work together to offer positive pathways to those considering joining a gang.
"Too many of our young people are being attracted to the gang way of life for many complex reasons," she said.
"Legislation is only one answer, so we are planning to hold a youth forum later this year to bring everyone in our community together to find ways to empower our young people to lead positive ways of life."
Gang members are currently allowed in council parks, but no person may display gang insignia at any time in government premises under the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013.
Government premises include the whole or part of any structure that is owned by, or is under, the control of a local authority.
Police said they were notified of the wilful damage at Akina Park at 7.48am on Saturday.
Officers attended, but the offenders were not located.
A council spokeswoman said as well as the graffiti, Akina Park's playground was "seriously damaged" and broken glass was left around the park.
"Council is disappointed at the damage that was caused, which takes up council resources to repair and restore," the spokeswoman added.
Hazlehurst said gang insignia graffiti within the community will not be tolerated in the district.
"We know there has been increased gang activity across Hawke's Bay and it is becoming an enormous community concern," she added.
Council contractors repaired and cleaned up the area on Monday afternoon. The spokeswoman said the cost of repairs was not yet known.
"In terms of the playground in particular, it hinders the enjoyment of other park users as it needs to be closed while we work on making it safe," she added.
