Share

Hells Angels win NZ battle

New Zealand's High Court has overturned a ban on biker gangs publicly wearing club insignia after lawyers for the Hell's Angels successfully argued it limited freedom of expression.

The Wanganui Council introduced the ban on biker "patches" in 2009 after a spate of gang-related violence, arguing it would curb public intimidation in the North Island town.

It applied to 10 gangs, including the Hell's Angels, Black Power, Mongrel Mob, Nomads and Tribesmen, the latter of which is affiliated with the Rebels, as Australian gang police say is expanding into New Zealand.

'BYLAW UNLAWFUL'

After a legal challenge launched by a Hell's Angel member, the High Court ruled to ban was too broad because it applied to all public areas and the council had not properly considered freedom of expression issues.

"The court found the bylaw is therefore unlawful," it said in a judgement.

Lawyers fighting the ban have described it as "a sledgehammer used to crack a walnut".

Wanganui Council said it would consider appealing the court's decision or revising the ban, which imposed fines of R10 300 on gang members caught wearing patches, to specify the areas in which it applies.

Police last month raided dozens of properties across the North Island, seized drugs, firearms, luxury cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and cash in an operation they said was aimed at curbing the Rebels' expansion in New Zealand.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE