Gang tries for image makeover

Hundreds of Mongrel Mob gang members will gather in Auckland next week to mark the gang's 25 years - and discuss ways to improve its public profile.

This year, the convention of the mob's most notorious chapter is being held at a factory in Church St, Penrose, from Friday to Sunday.

Police are expecting "upwards of 300" people, including family and friends, to attend.

A Mongrel Mob gathering at Ambury Park, Mangere, in 1988 is remembered for the abduction and rape of a 19-year-old woman.

During the nine hour ordeal she was beaten, covered in petrol, urinated on and photographed before she escaped.

Before that gathering the gang had told regional council and community representatives that its members would act responsibly.

At next week's convention the gang will hold workshops to discuss its image and there will be "children's activities", said Inspector Dave Simpson, operations manager for Counties Manukau Police.

Mr Simpson said police iwi liaison officers had been talking to the gang about the gathering.

"They want to have workshops about their violence, how that affects them in the community," he said.

"The purpose of the event is all about an acceptance by the Mongrel Mob that they need to change within themselves and they need to move forward as part of mainstream community, and act within the law."

Police were not involved in the workshops but would "respond if invited", said Mr Simpson.

"We're well aware of their reputation but there is trust developing as this event unfolds."

An Auckland City Council spokeswoman said the council was not contributing any services to the Mongrel Mob convention.

City staff has met the owner of the factory and Mob representatives to discuss details of the gathering.

The Mongrel Mob had wanted to use the adjoining Simson Reserve for the three days of the celebrations, but the council spokeswoman said it had already been booked for the Friday and Saturday. The Mob had booked it for the Sunday for a children's event.

Onehunga Business Association manager Robin Jenkin-Winter said his group welcomed any convention that got people into the area.

 

Mob in the news

- November 24
A member was found guilty of murder while another was convicted of the manslaughter of a Black Power associate who was shot through the heart in Hawkes Bay two years ago.

- November 15
A Mob member who crashed his car into two women after a police chase asked for bail so he could apologise. The judge refused.
The Mob's 'Notorious' chapter in Mangere started a labour hire business called Rent A Bro to do painting, demolition and other work.

- September
The mother of Colleen Burrows, kicked to death 18 years ago by Mongrel Mob members in steel-capped boots, is fighting to stop one of the killers receiving compensation for his treatment in prison. Sam Te Hei is believed to be in line for $25,000 compensation for treatment he has received at Hawkes Bay Prison. He has already won a $90,000 settlement from the Crown for his treatment in an Auckland jail some years ago. The girl's mother, Ida Hawkins, asked the Government to cover her travel costs to a parliamentary select committee to oppose the Prisoners Compensation Bill, but was rejected.

- June
The man charged with kidnapping a Chinese family following a 45-minute hostage drama and dramatic police chase in Auckland yelled out "Mongrel Mob", swore and then blew a kiss to his girlfriend when he appeared in court.