Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 10 May 2007

Dunne applauds mayoral/iwi taskforce

United Future leader Peter Dunne has applauded Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws and Whanganui iwi for coming together to work through the divisions that have resulted in the increase of gang activity in the Wanganui region.

“I am very hopeful that this taskforce will identify policies and processes that the Wanganui District Council, police and local iwi can use to develop as solutions to this issue,” said Mr Dunne.

“Gang violence has been an endemic problem throughout New Zealand for a number of decades; whether it is Wanganui, Christchurch, Ruatoria or South Auckland, the result is the same – innocent people get caught in the crossfire.

“The key to preventing tragedies such as this is to prevent the growth of gangs in the first place.

“While it is generally agreed that we need to come down hard on gangs, the long-term dissolution of New Zealand’s gangs will come about through educating young people that it is not a feasible alternative.

“I applaud those who have put this taskforce together.

“I hope this will be the beginning of a concerted and successful effort to prevent young people from joining gangs in the Wanganui area.

“While everyone will agree that the termination of gangs is no easy task, initiatives such as this are a step in the right direction,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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