At midnight, it became illegal for gang members to display signs, symbols or patches - large insignia sewn on to jackets, for example - anywhere in public. This includes displaying insignia on their clothing or vehicles.
Breaches of the ban carry a sentence of up to six months in prison or a NZ$5,000 (£2,300) fine, and insignia would have to be forfeited and destroyed.
Three minutes after the ban came into effect, a Mongrel Mob member based in Hastings was arrested for displaying a large Mongrel Mob sign on the dashboard of his car, the police confirmed to the Guardian.
He was issued a summons to appear in court and the sign was confiscated, police said.
"The free ride for gangs is over," said Paul Goldsmith, the minister for justice. "Gangs in our country think they're above the law and can choose which they comply with, and this government does not accept that."
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