June 02, 2021
Jackson shrugs off gang scare ploy
Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson says talking with gang members is part of the job.
The Opposition are ramping up attacks on the Government’s justice reforms, with ACT’s Nicole McKee pointing to Mr Jackson’s three meetings with community advocate and veteran Black Power member Eugene Ryder and his visit to the reform-minded Waikato Kingdom Mongrel Mob chapter as evidence the Government’s loyalties lie with dangerous criminals instead of law-abiding New Zealanders.
National’s police spokesperson Simeon Brown says instead of telling gang members to obey the law or face the consequences, Ministers are sitting down with them for a cup of tea.
Mr Jackson says gangs are part of society, and in his previous role with the Manukau Urban Māori Authority and as a Minister he tackles them head-on.
"I will never tolerate the violence. I will never tolerate any crime. But I see more than gang members. I see partners, I see wives, I see tamariki, I see mokopuna, and I see our people, and I have a responsibility as Māori Development Minister to talk to our people," he says.
Mr Jackson says his critics don’t know gang members, and they don’t know of all the gang members and former members who have become valued contributors to society.
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