Whanganui's new mayor says gang patch ban to stay

Whanganui's new mayor Annette Main says she has no intention of trying to overturn the city's gang patch ban.

The controversial bylaw, introduced last year, bans gang members from wearing patches or other regalia in public and was championed by former mayor Michael Laws.

Ms Main said she intended to focus on addressing the social causes that led young people to join gangs rather than repeal the bylaw.

"The fact is that despite the bylaw, most gang members have remained in Whanganui and we need to acknowledge that gang membership remains attractive for some young people, particularly those lacking stable families and role models, and who feel alienated and economically deprived."

However, said the absence of "visible signs of a gang presence" was helping some residents feel safer and less intimidated, she said.
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