13 February 2002

The Government must be the most stupid group of people in New Zealand if they don't realise that Palmerston North gangs are living in taxpayer subsidised housing, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall.

"The gangs should be kicked out now and leave the good people of Highbury alone.

"The general manager of Housing New Zealand says he needs "good hard supporting evidence" to evict the Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs.

"What sort of evidence do you call the dead body of a 16-year-old? Or multiple arrests for gun offences?

"Helen Clark should be instructing Housing New Zealand to clear these houses immediately. The good people of Highbury shouldn't be living under the threat of violence.

"The police are trying to protect the community from these gangs while Housing New Zealand seems intent on giving them cheap rent.

"National's zero tolerance of gangs policy will apply to Housing New Zealand. We will support Housing New Zealand in evicting tenants who use their properties for gang related activities," says Mr Ryall.

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