The Government is taking action in response to overseas members of the Mongols gang attempting to enter New Zealand for an organised event in Canterbury from November 7-10.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said, “The Immigration Minister and I are working closely together, alongside Police, Customs and Immigration New Zealand (INZ), to respond to an organised Mongols event in Canterbury.”

He added, “We are aware members and criminal associates from other Mongols international chapters are planning on traveling here to participate in this event.

Although membership is not illegal, chapter members have been involved in organised criminal activity in New Zealand, including violent offending and drug importation.”

Mitchell was clear about the Government’s stance, saying, “Our Government won’t tolerate international gangs entering New Zealand to celebrate and promote their criminal activity.

We will not accept an influx of gang members intimidating law-abiding members of the public.”

To support Police efforts, Immigration New Zealand is carefully scrutinising the travel and entry of any non-resident Mongols gang members.

Under the Immigration Act 2009, individuals with known criminal histories may be denied entry if they pose a risk of committing offences in New Zealand punishable by imprisonment or if they are deemed a threat to public interest or order.

“To address risk to public order, border alerts have been placed on known Mongols participants, and known participants from visa-waiver countries have been assessed and had their visa-waiver status suspended, meaning they will have to submit a visa application to come to New Zealand,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said.

Stanford reinforced the Government’s commitment to border security, stating, “Our Government is committed to protecting the integrity of our border and ensuring those within it are kept safe. INZ will work closely with Police, Customs, and our international partners to help ensure that.”