A bill that will ban gang patches on government and council-owned property has passed its first reading in parliament.
National MP Todd McClay's member's bill means gang members could be fined $2000 if they wear their insignia on school grounds, in hospitals or when they visit any other publicly-owned property.
The bill went through its first reading on a vote of 69 to 52, supported by National, NZ First, ACT and United Future.
All the other parties opposed it.
Most of the first reading debate took place two weeks ago, when Mr McClay said gang members used their insignia to intimidate people.
"Their members prey on the weak and the vulnerable, they profit from the harm they do to law-abiding citizens and are responsible for the drug trade," he said.
When the debate resumed on Wednesday, National's Jami-Lee Ross said gangs were "cancerous, corrosive and have no place in New Zealand society... they stand for everything that is bad."
Other National MPs said gang members were thugs and criminals.
Labour MPs voted against the bill, saying it was cynical and ineffective legislation.
Justice Spokesman Charles Chauvel says there are laws in place which can be used to trespass gang members from government-owned properties if they are a nuisance.
Mana Party leader Hone Harawira says the bill is racist because it will impact on Maori more than anyone else.
The bill has been sent to the law and order select committee for public submissions.
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