text: King Cobras The King Cobras are a Central Auckland-based gang with its origins born out of the Polynesian Panthers in the early 1970s whose ranks are predominantly Pacific Islanders but not exclusive of others. Their reputed turf is reported to stretch from the Downtown area to Māngere Papatoetoe and Manurewa. The Cobras also have links and associations with activity in the far north Moerewa Whangārei and North Shore, and an established presence in the Hutt Valley and the Wellington area. The gang is also known to have a presence in Christchurch.
  In 2009 it was reported that members of the gang had been involved in a multimillion-dollar methamphetamine drug ring organised within Paremoremo Prison, and previously ran another large drug ring along with the Head Hunters. The Cobras maintained a headquarters in Ponsonby up until August 2011 as they are reported to be shifting premises.
  Bandidos MC
  In 2012, the notorious worldwide Motorcycle Club known as the Bandidos set up in South Auckland and later established a second chapter in Christchurch. The Bandidos have gone on to establish prospect chapters in Dunedin and Invercargill.
  Hells Angels MC
  The Hells Angels motorcycle club founded a chapter in Auckland in 1961 and has since taken over gangs in Whanganui. New Zealand had the first chapter of the Hells Angels outside the US.
  In 2011 the club made headlines when it tried to register a lottery. It made headlines again in late 2015 when it shutdown Nelson's long-standing Lost Breed MC to stamp its mark on the city.