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National is promising to create tougher sentences for gang members, adding gang membership as an aggravating factor when handed down a sentence for an offence.
The policy announcement will be livestreamed above, from 2pm.
National leader Christopher Luxon said that “gangs pose a grave threat to New Zealand society”.
“They thrive by preying on the most vulnerable individuals, peddling addiction, intimidation, and widespread misery wherever they set up shop.”
“That is why a National government I lead will make gang membership an aggravating factor in sentencing so that gang members will face tougher consequences for their crimes,” he said.
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Politicians have faced criticism over creating a ‘political football’ of the gang situation in Ōpōtiki.
There are a range of aggravating and mitigating factors which are taken into account during sentencing in New Zealand.
“Aggravating factors acknowledge that in some cases, the circumstances surrounding a crime may inflict greater harm upon their victims, and so warrant stronger sentences,” Luxon said.
“National believes the visible presence of gangs in communities can lead to prolonged fear and intimidation for victims who have suffered at the hands of gang-related offences.”
Some aggravating factors include any particular cruelty in the offence, if the offender was abusing a position of trust or authority, the extent of loss, damage or harm or if the victim was particularly vulnerable.
It already takes into account the nature and extent of the connection of the crime and the offender’s participation or involvement in an organised crime group.
National’s proposal means that gang membership alone will also be taken into account by the judge when deciding the sentence.
“In practice, it means offenders who are known members of criminal gangs will likely face tougher sentences for crime,” he said.
The party has already promised to ban gang patches and insignia in public and stop gang members from gathering in public.
Ōpōtiki made headlines after the death and tangihanga of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Ōpōtiki mayor David Moore said the situation was made worse by sensationalised reports and political grandstanding.
Following Taiatini’s death, reports of rival Black Power homes being torched and shots fired at properties saw 100 police reinforcements called in.
Several schools closed for the tangi on Wednesday.
During the week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was unacceptable the town had been brought to a standstill by the increased gang presence, while Luxon criticised Labour’s “inaction”, saying children should be safe going to school.
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