3104 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

3104 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Does the Minister intend that clause 15(a) of the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill would apply to members of the same family who do not ordinarily live together, for example cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, grandparents, or adult siblings, and if not, why not?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The Bill states that the seven-day restriction on associating in public with persons subject to a dispersal notice will not apply to immediate family members, meaning a member of the person’s family, whānau, or other culturally recognised family group, who is in a close relationship with the person. The intent of the exception is that normal lawful family activities are not unduly hindered by the law. However, because many gang members have immediate and extended family in gangs, a line needs to be drawn about enabling all family members to associate. The Bill says that to avoid doubt, immediate family includes: - a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner: - a child, whāngai, or stepchild: - a brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister: - a parent, person who acts as parent of a whāngai, or step-parent: - a grandparent: - a parent of the person’s child