PRESS RELEASE

13th September 2007

Tackling Youth Violence In Auckland

It is another sad week in Auckland’s recent history of growing youth
violence.

Are we willing for this to continue?

Well, I am not!

As an educator, a social activist, and more importantly a
family man with six grandchildren, I am determined to challenge this
cancerous teenage violence which is ripping at the very heart of the
Auckland family.

Throughout my time as councillor for Maungakieie-Tamaki Ward, and, even more so since I have been actively campaigning for Mayoralty of Auckland, I am asked what we can do about this growing issue of youth gang violence?

People seeking answers to this are from throughout the community
including parents, school teachers, church leaders, sports people,
teenagers, university student groups, business leaders and musicians.

My campaign team and I have listened carefully to these concerns. We have been impressed with the various groups that are in the field actively confronting the problems that create this dis-ease within our city. For example, Mark Gosche MP and people in the Otahuhu area have been making remarkable progress. So much is being done. But so much more needs to be done to mobilise the entire community in creating opportunities to instill mana, meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging within our young people.

As Mayor, one of my first activities will be to convene a gathering of
those actively challenging teenage violence and the gang culture
throughout Auckland, including community leaders, political
representatives, City Council administrators, parents, community police, reformed gang members, school teachers, church leaders, and social workers. We must give them our encouragement and support.

We will share expertise, explore strategies that have worked in other
cities, and, most importantly encourage every Aucklander to regard this
problem as a personal challenge.

Then with positive leadership and, in association with present gang members, we will develop a comprehensive strategy that includes family, social, legal, ethical, economic, spiritual, recreational, vocational and political dimensions. More importantly, we will then commit to action.

The Herald noted we have had eleven deaths from gang violence in the past two years. My sincere condolences to families who have suffered.

This is a serious time for Auckland. It is time for us all to take
responsibility.

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