To most, Wanganui's ill-fated attempt to impose a ban on the wearing of gang insignia was no laughing matter.
Of course, some chose to lampoon the city or the major players as the process played out. The sorry saga has all the makings of a farce - and there will
be more fodder, as it's not over yet. The Wanganui District Council has yet to deliberate on submissions on a new bylaw to replace one declared invalid by Justice Denis Clifford.
Meanwhile, the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Bill, sponsored by Todd McClay, in August passed its first reading. It would be a national approach to the problem of gang intimidation and would ban insignia from schools, hospitals and other government and local government buildings.
It is a serious issue, yet has seen scorn and now ridicule poured on our city. People are afraid to come here, we are told.
Long-time tourism operator Rory Smith claims it has tainted the area's image and impacted on his business and many others. His submission on the new bylaw cited the harm publicity surrounding the gang-patch hysteria has done to the region.
