There were unusual scenes in Wainuiomata on Saturday as members of the Mongrel Mob, Black Power, Nomads and the Tribesmen signed up for their right to vote in this year's general election.
They registered with the electoral commission in a bid to mobilise the 'gang vote' ahead of the election in September.
"The public will have you believe that we could not sit in the same space," Mongrel Mob member Harry Tam says.
"But you can see it for yourself that we can share same space because why? We are concerned about our children, we are concerned about futures."
He's been a lifetime member of the Mongrel Mob - but has also worked in Government departments.
He says the portrayal of gangs to the New Zealand public has been unfair.
The Government has led a major crackdown on gangs in recent years, including banning patches and gang regalia from being worn in many public spaces.
"The gang strategy I don't believe is the best one, I think too many people are tarred with the same brush," Māori Party MP Marama Fox says.
"We're here to help because those are our people. If they think that they put their faith in us, that's up to them."
Black Power and Mongrel Mob members told Newshub they are voting to make a difference for their families, and for their children to have a better world than what they've had.
Newshub.
