14 Jul 2022

Government has not been slow to crack down on gangs - Chris Hipkins

From Morning Report, 8:10 am on 14 July 2022

The Police Minister rejects the idea the government has been slow to act on gangs and doesn't accept they have bowed to political pressure.

Under new plans to crack down on gangs, police will have expanded powers to search and seize gang properties, cars and motorbikes.

Police Minister Chris Hipkins says the government's been looking carefully at what will make a practical difference and there's no overnight solution.

He says the latest step is not the only measure the government has taken - and pointed to a police operation last year to disrupt firearms-related violence.