A government official visits to discuss the recent release of the "gang action plan". The Whole-of-Government Action Plan to Reduce the Harms caused by New Zealand Adult Gangs and Transnational Crime Groups is a collaborative approach to deal with harm caused by these groups. It was developed through bringing government agencies together to analyse information on adult gang members and prospects ( aged 17 years or older).
This government official seeks our opinion. Our immediate response - get rid of the word "gang". The Mongrel Mob has just had its 50th anniversary. We are failing if we are sitting around asking the same questions we were 50 years ago. What difference have we made? A top-down response from Government to remedy gang problems will not work. Identify those leaders within those communities including gang leaders - and provide the opportunity to identify what needs to happen to improve their situation.
Work has already occurred within this space. Local advocate and Black Power member for life Denis O'Reilly conducted a study a few years ago researching what gang members identified in order to improve their and their whanau wellbeing. Warm dry secure housing, education, employment - sound familiar?
We are asked - why do you work with gangs. Because they have children. And Henare adds - just because they are gang members, does not mean they are bad parents. Our other point is be careful if you are just identifying gangs - there will be an unintended consequence with what you are trying to achieve. Don't forget the women, the all too often unsung heroes/heroines, raising their children on her own when all too often dad is in jail. So instead of using the term gang - use whanau instead.
We hold our Takitimu Ora Whanau Ora Collective launch. Dignitaries Marama Fox, Lawrence Yule, Pa Ariki, Ariki of Rarotonga; Takitimu Waka are amongst those who attend. This collective we believe provides a balance between communities and an alternative vehicle to fund various initiatives, with perhaps government funding that could be more effective in reaching those that need it the most. Wise words are offered from those who stand to speak.
Kevin Atkinson advises small steps, and simple measures in order to demonstrate achievements. Rex Graham shares that our local primary industry is booming. We need to ensure we capitalise on our local employment opportunities. The jobs are there. We need to ensure we have the systems and support structures to engage our young people in education and employment opportunities.
Driver's licence, bank accounts and ID will be a part of the package. We need a whole of community response to a community issue. Our bureaucratic clutter, ie, business plan Ka u te Waka, back office support is all in place. Our next stage is "a call for action". If you can contribute, contact us. Takitimu Ora has a website for information.
Ka u te waka U-Nurture, strengthen, focus, achieve.
-Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.
