Mark Ron: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mark Ron: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:614;Page:10585] 
11. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) 
 on behalf of  
RON MARK (NZ First) 
 to the  
Minister of Justice 
: In light of recent gang activity in Highbury Wairoa and Otaki is he satisfied that current laws are sufficient to protect the public? 
Hon PAUL SWAIN (Minister of Transport) 
 on behalf of the 
 Minister of Justice 
: Generally yes but we can always do better. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Does the Minister think it is a sad state of affairs that innocent women need to leave their own country and their families because this Government has made it too dangerous for them to stay in this country but when in Opposition for over 9 years Labour said it would “crush the gangs” but it has done nothing? 
Hon PAUL SWAIN 
: Firstly it is unacceptable for gangs to intimidate people in the way the member describes. There is no question about that. However it is not fair to say that nothing has been done. Law changes have been introduced and the police have been given extra resources. For example new laws have been passed to crack down on participation in criminal gangs and powers of investigation and interception have been beefed up. I am advised the Minister proposes further law changes to ensure the better targeting of criminal assets. 
Darren Hughes 
: What has been the effect of the Government’s changes to the law on participation in a criminal gang? 
Hon PAUL SWAIN 
: Under section 98A of the Crimes Act amended through the Transnational Organised Crime Bill last year participation in a criminal gang is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This law applies equally to patched members prospects or associates. The new law is increasingly being used to prosecute gang members—with 16 prosecutions taken in the first 6 months of this year compared with two for each of the previous 2 years. 
Richard Worth 
: Does the Minister agree that only by taking the profit out of crime will criminal gangs be stopped from the large-scale drug dealing—especially methamphetamine—that has enriched empowered and entrenched them in New Zealand and if he does and with reference to an earlier answer he gave when will meaningful asset-seizure legislation proposals be put before Parliament? 
Hon PAUL SWAIN 
: I agree it is one measure that could crack down on gangs. It is of course not the only measure but it is one and I agree with the member that it is an important one. I know that the Minister has proposed law changes but I am not aware of exactly when he intends to introduce those. I suggest the member put down a direct question to him. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: Is the Minister doing anything at all when we have the taxpayer having to foot the bill of over $460000 since 2000 to relocate abroad from this country battered women and their families because this Government has simply done nothing about the intimidation by these gangs and when will he stop talking and do something? 
Hon PAUL SWAIN 
: I do not think it is fair to say the Government has done nothing. The Minister of Justice has been very very diligent in improving not only the law and order portfolio but increasing the laws that oppose gangs and their activities.