The Whakapapa of the ‘Patch’: He Korowai Tēnei

Abstract

This commentary explores the significance of the gang ‘patch’, particularly within the context of the Mongrel Mob Kingdom in Aotearoa New Zealand, amidst contemporary legislative debates aimed at prohibiting the display of gang insignia. The proposed law has sparked widespread discussion, with critics highlighting potential violations of fundamental rights and unintended consequences. This commentary offers insights into the historical and social underpinnings of the gang patch, tracing its roots back to the systemic marginalisation of Māori and the socio-economic disenfranchisement resulting from urbanisation and colonisation. The article articulates how gangs – offering a sense of belonging, identity, and kinship – emerged as a response to these adversities.