Gangs must prove they can legally afford flashy cars, assets and even shoes under new law

Hit them where it hurts - the Government is gunning for gangs and going after their profits.

Gangs will have to prove they can legally afford their flashy cars, assets and even shoes used to lure young recruits under a law change expected to net the Government an extra $25 million a year. 

Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) are also being introduced - anyone convicted of serious firearms or violent offences, organised crime or terrorism could be slapped with an order, which would mean they can't own, use, access or be around firearms. 

The penalties for breaching the orders are up to seven years in prison. It's similar to Bills that both National and ACT have been pushing.

Ex-cop Glen Green says American gang culture has been creating a deceptive illusion in New Zealand. 

"There's a problem, it's become cool," he told Newshub. 

But it's Kiwi kids being killed.

"People are dying from the youth gang culture," Green says. 

"What's happened during COVID, obviously there's been a big opportunity for people to make more money - methamphetamine is being pushed around more, perhaps those who didn't used to deal with drugs see that as a way to make more income."

Cars and other assets that could make gangs more attractive are being targeted by the Government.

Justice Minister Kris Faafoi says there is evidence of gang members increasingly driving around in flashy cars and other assets. 

"I think there's evidence of that and that's why we're making some of the changes," he said on Tuesday. 

The changes will put the onus on gangs to prove they can legally afford the things they own - and not just Lamborghinis, boats and bikes, but clothes and shoes too - things "young people would find attractive", says Faafoi. 

Faafoi confirmed that someone handing over a whole lot of Air Jordan's would raise suspicion. 

"That's the kind of thing that we've seen evidence of."

The Government is also introducing FPOs. If slapped with one, a person is basically banned from guns, facing up to seven years jail for breaches. 

Police Minister Poto Williams says she hasn't received specific information about what impact FPOs could have on Māori. But a public consultation document from her police force includes specific information on it. 

It says Māori are likely to be overrepresented in those who qualify for, and become subject to, FPOs. 

It also says restricting visits to places with guns will also likely impact on Māori, particularly rural Māori, given the importance of whānau. 

The Police Minister says it's not an issue. 

"We're dealing with the most serious offenders in this regard; it's not an issue that you raise."

The Mongrel Mob begs to differ.

"It is no doubt racist," says Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom public relations spokesperson Louise Hutchinson. 

"We know that there's unconscious bias within the New Zealand police force, we know that they racially profile our people."

For the Māori Party, it's another example of systemic racism.

"It's another extension of them being able to use their power to profile Māori," said co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. 

"If it's targeting gangs, it's targeting Māori," co-leader Rawiri Waititi added. 

National leader Judith Collins denied there is systemic racism in police. 

"No, absolutely not," she said. 

National's similar FPO Bill is before the House this week, and while Labour's covers more offenders - not just gangs - National's gives police powers for convictions dating back a decade. Labour's is only as convicted.

"We have to wait for someone who is a violent offender to go and shoot someone essentially before they get a Firearms Prohibition Order," said Collins. 

Neither parties' changes address root causes of deprivation, something no one - including gangs - should profit from.