Police will have expanded powers for dealing with gang violence including a new intimidation offence, but stronger search and seize powers will still need a warrant.

Police Minister Chris Hipkins and Justice Minister Kiri Allan are this morning announcing plans detailing the government's efforts to crack down on gang activity.

Their proposals would see a new criminal offence introduced which would make it illegal to discharge a firearm with an intent to intimidate, which would apply in any setting - a strengthening of the current law which applies only inside a dwelling.

The new crime would carry a maximum five-year prison sentence.

Police search and seize powers will also be expanded:

• Warrants could allow searches of occupied gang properties and vehicles over 14 days
• The threshold for impounding gang vehicles involved in convoys will be lowered to include aggravated carelessness and reasonable belief the vehicle was used for dangerous or reckless driving
• Cash over $10,000 found in suspicious circumstances can be seized for up to seven days
• Watches, jewellery, precious metals and stones that could be used for money laundering will be added to a list of goods which high-value dealers will be prohibited from selling for cash over a certain value

Violent crime has been on the rise around the country, including in relation to a conflict between the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs, and the government has been under pressure to do something about it.

The opposition National Party has been calling for a ban on patches and gang gatherings, although gang leaders decribe that policy as 'dog whistle' politics and expert Jarrod Gilbert warned it will do little to address the problem.

Gilbert warns more broadly against listening to politicians with easy answers to gang violence, saying what is needed is to tackle the specific symptoms and causes of crime, while putting pressure on the gangs through policing.

Hipkins says police have asked for stronger powers to allow them to deal with violent offending and other criminal activities.

"Recent brazen gang activities have been totally unacceptable and our communities deserve better," he says.

"These are practical and targeted measures that will help the police do their job to keep communities safe. We are interested in real solutions, not empty slogans."

He says there is also work being done to address the drivers of crime, including youth crime.

Allan says the causes of crime are complex and often inter-generational, and the changes being introduced will give New Zealanders confidence that police have the powers they need to tackle gang behaviour that makes them feel unsafe.

"We will continue to ensure we are upping the ante on intervention and prevention measures that are focused on steering young people away from a life with organised criminal groups," she says.

"I will be looking closely at the youth justice system in particular to see how we can make changes that will improve both the lives of at-risk young people and public safety over the long term."

-RNZ.