Corrections cops reprimand
Minister criticises prison terrorism plan highlighting ‘Ma¯ ori nationalist groups’
Aplan to help fight terrorism in prison highlighted “Ma¯ori nationalist groups” as a “threat to public and community safety” through “violent action”.
It has earned the Department of Corrections a rebuke from its minister Kelvin Davis, who described it as “unnecessary, provocative language”.
The concern about “Ma¯ori nationalist groups” emerges in a list of threats identified by Corrections released through the Official Information Act. It also listed Islamic extremism and jihad, along with far right activists and groups using violence to achieve political aims.
When asked about the statement, Corrections backed away from the comments. “We have no information to suggest that there are any Ma¯ori nationalist groups in the Corrections environment.”
The list came from notes of a forum hosted by Corrections in 2017, taken from the introductory welcome by a prisons’ executive. It was a case of history repeating itself for Rugby World Cup hero Stephen Donald when his phone rang while out fishing on the Manukau Harbour this week. He was making the most of the summer weather with all thoughts of the upcoming Super Rugby season buried away. But like the All Blacks in the 2011 World Cup, the Chiefs needed help and put the call out for a late replacement. Their four contracted No 10 options Damian McKenzie, Marty McKenzie, Jack Debreczeni and Tiaan Falcon were all unavailable due to injury. Midfielder Orbyn Leger had been called in from the wider squad to man the starting role but, without backup, the Chiefs needed a hero. And like he did in 2011, Donald came to the rescue. With more than 100 Super Rugby caps
The forum followed on from work done as part of the Government’s wider anti-terrorism measures.
Davis said work by Corrections to manage violent extremism helped meet its top priority of public safety but he had never been briefed on, or heard of, “Ma¯ori nationalist groups”.
“I’ve received no advice on any threat from extremist Ma¯ori groups, and frankly it’s disappointing to use unnecessary, provocative language like that while we’re building closer partnerships between Ma¯ori and the Crown.” to his name for the Chiefs, the 35-year-old was brought in for the full 2019 campaign after Falcon suffered a season-ending injury.
Joining the team on Monday, Donald had just four days before the Chiefs’ season-opener against the Highlanders in which he played 20 minutes off the bench at fullback in a losing effort.
“Only coming in on Monday, it’s not ideal preparation for the Super Rugby season, but hopefully I get better and get a few Ks in the legs and stuff like that,” he said after the game.
Davis — who is minister of Ma¯oriCrown Relations — said he intended reminding Corrections of this.
The Herald on Sunday also spoke to well-placed sources in Corrections, government and the criminal justice system who were baffled by the reference. Justice reformer Sir Kim Workman said: “I struggle with that myself. If there are any, I certainly aren’t aware of them.”
Likewise Denis O’Reilly, lifetime Black Power member and justice reform activist. “It’s a fantasy.”
He said he had never heard concerns raised of “Ma¯ori nationalist groups” despite long involvement in efforts across community, gang and government groups.
O’Reilly said it had resonance with lurid Truth tabloid headlines of the
“It’s great to be back here, and obviously a hell of a shock to the system considering where I think my headspace was two weeks ago — it certainly wasn’t about round one here at Waikato Stadium.”
Donald was greeted with loud cheers from the crowd at Waikato Stadium, although his slick new haircut became a talking point among many fans.
After getting advice from some of the younger members of the team on the best barber around, his new look provided some amusement for teammates.
“Unfortunately it looks like now I’m a Peaky Blinder,” Donald said.
“The boys enjoyed that when I unveiled it. Obviously just trying to keep up with the young kids these days and yeah, you’ve got to be careful what you ask for at the barber.”
It’s great to be back here, and obviously a hell of a shock to the system considering where I think my headspace was two weeks ago. Stephen Donald
●
Full rugby coverage, p58-60
1970s which depicted Ma¯ori in an adverse, militant role. “It’s in the lexicon, buried in the subconscious.”
A long-time prison guard, speaking anonymously, said he was also unaware of such a threat.
There had been concerns about the potential for growth in Islamic extremism at a prison in one North Island region, he said. However the situation largely managed itself with organised gangs in prison taking issue with the possibility of losing recruits.
He said there had also been concerns prior to Tu¯hoe activist Tame Iti’s imprisonment over his role in the Urewera training camps which caused a terror-scare a decade ago. Police eventually apologised to Tu¯hoe over the hurt caused by the 2007 raids.