Tame Iti and gang leader to broker peace deal

Tame Iti was involved in resolving conflict between gangs in Ruatoki several years ago. Photo / Northern Advocate

Maori activist Tame Iti and Tribesmen gang leader Peter Hunt are to help broker a gang truce in Murupara.

Mr Iti was involved in resolving conflict between gangs in Ruatoki several years ago.

The push for peace comes as a trial date was yesterday set for October next year for nine Mongrel Mob members jointly charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jordan Herewini, run over in his backyard during a gang fight in Murupara in January.

On October 3, 17-year-old Kaine Lewis was found beaten in a driveway. He died a short time later.

The deaths have sparked community outrage and protests and a rahui (ban) on gang violence.

Murupara community leader Pem Bird said Peter Hunt was making an "emphatic commitment to a truce" with the Mongrel Mob.

Although he would help, Mr Hunt said he did not support a ban on gang colours and patches in the town.

"We're not behind any rahui but we're going through ceasefire negotiations at the moment," he said.

"That seems to be what the people want. We're not decided what we want to do yet. We're just letting the people say what they want.

"We've got our own whakaaro [idea] of what we think should happen but we're not telling anyone yet.

"But there will be peace at the end of the day."

Mr Bird, the Te Ha O Te Ora chairman, said the Tribesmen's involvement was a "big breakthrough".

"This will relieve the tension and anxiety over the threat of retaliation and allow us some time to focus on a similar result with the Mongrel Mob."

Mr Bird said the rahui had been endorsed by seven Bay of Plenty iwi.

"The move by the president of the Tribesmen is cause for much hope and optimism for an eventual permanent peace pact based on tikanga Maori, the ultimate goal.

"In the meantime, meetings with the Mongrel Mob are continuing with external mediation a real possibility," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Iti has also offered the support of Tuhoe Hauora, an Eastern Bay health agency he is involved with.

"We will jump at the opportunity to take his advice and guidance following a meeting with him," Mr Bird said.

"He has a reputation second to none in bringing peace to gangs in Ruatoki who once upon a time were at one another's throats."

- DAILY POST