3976 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

3976 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: What evidence does the Minister have that the Kuki Squad, identified in Schedule 2 of the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, is currently a "criminal" organisation, as stated in his answer to WPQ 2478?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The Kuki Squad has already been designated as a gang under section 8 of the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Regulations 2018. Under the current Gang Insignia Act the Minister of Police may not make a recommendation to the Governor-General to identify a group as a gang for the purposes of the Act until he is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation, association, or group proposed to be identified has the following characteristics: - a common name or common identifying signs, symbols or representations; and - its members, associates or supporters individually or collectively promote, encourage, or engage in criminal activity. The evidence Police uses to recommend an organisation, association or group is identified as a gang for the purposes of the Gang Insignia Act are: there is a common name and common signs, signals or representations; members have a history of violence and drug offending (based on charges); and the group has a presence in New Zealand. I have not sought any evidence in addition to these requirements.