Uffindell targets gang convoys on first day as MP

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell with his first Member’s Bill. Photo: Supplied.

National's new MP for Tauranga Sam Uffindell has submitted his first Member's Bill, which aims to prevent gang convoys in the city.

He submitted the bill just minutes after being sworn in at Parliament on Tuesday.

'Gang convoys are far too prevalent on Tauranga's streets and police need more powers to deter this kind of behaviour,” says Uffindell.

'The public shouldn't have to put up with road restrictions and intimidation because gang members feel they can operate with impunity."

Uffindell says his Member's Bill will give police the power to issue on-the-spot $500 fines and instantly impound the vehicles of gang members travelling in convoys for 28 days.

'Many vehicles involved are purchased through the proceeds of crime, and videos of the convoys become important recruitment tools for the gangs.

'Given that gang membership is up by 40 per cent under the Labour Government, this recruitment drive is clearly effective.

'Labour is good at making announcements, but its MPs have shown they are incapable of actually delivering. Their soft-on-crime approach is making Kiwis less safe."

Uffindell says it's time that Labour gets serious about crime.

"And supporting my Land Transport (Prohibition on Gang Convoys) Amendment Bill would be a good start.

'Submitting this Bill on the day of my swearing-in was a by-election promise I am proud to deliver.

"I will continue to back our Police and work towards improving the safety of the people of Tauranga and Kiwis across New Zealand.”

Uffindell gave his maiden speech on Tuesday August 2 in Parliament following being sworn in.

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8 comments

With urgency

Posted on 03-08-2022 08:05 | By First Responder

Yes, make it happen, and make it happen fast. About time someone stood up to this escalating issue. Sure beats "Get the Aunties in" approach we currently have.


A New Broom Sweeps Clean

Posted on 03-08-2022 08:05 | By Yadick

However Uffindell does sound and presents very promising.


whats the difference

Posted on 03-08-2022 14:54 | By dave4u

Between a convoy and a Que.. a convoy of people going into town stalled at Te Puna or is it a Que all stalled at Te Puna and what is a gang? 6 bald men together, 6 cops at an accident, or 6 buffalo in a paddock?


I'd like to see...

Posted on 03-08-2022 15:46 | By morepork

...more on the gist of this Bill. For example, will a group of people riding motorcycles no longer be legal, or will it only apply to gang members wearing patches?


something something

Posted on 03-08-2022 17:08 | By This Guy

Wonder how many people moaning about "the authoritarian government taking our freedoms away" will turn around and be absolutely fine with this...


@This Guy

Posted on 04-08-2022 13:08 | By morepork

I'm one of the people seriously concerned about "the authoritarian government taking our freedoms away". However, I am NOT fine about this and would like more information on it before taking a position on it. Motorcyclists obeying the Law are entitled to ride their bikes singularly or collectively and if the target of the new Bill is gangs, then that needs to be made clear. See my previous post here...


Those who know, understand.

Posted on 04-08-2022 17:02 | By Blasta

There’s been a couple of occasions now where I've observed gang motorcyclists blocking the roads and intersections off while their convoy drives through red lights. Good call Uffindell.


@Blasta

Posted on 05-08-2022 14:14 | By morepork

I understand your concern and would feel as you do if I witnessed this. The fact is that if they are breaking the Law they should be subject to Law enforcement. (I know...) This will only be a "good call" if it can be successfully enforced and stops the gang behaviour you describe. Passing Laws that are targeted at selected portions of our society need to be carefully considered. That's the basis of my hesitation.


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