Long term solutions vital for Kaikohe

Long term solutions and better collaboration between government agencies are needed in order to improve the outlook for Kaikohe, senior community leaders say.

Senior official for the Northland Regional Economic Development programme Ben Dalton says there are a number of initiatives in Kaikohe aimed at dealing with a problem compounded over generations.

He says while in the short term establishing a youth centre and increased police numbers should have an effect on youth crime, there needs to be long term solutions such as increasing employment opportunities in Northland.

‘‘You can’t resolve the issues by just dealing with the kids - you need a broad based approach.

‘‘When parents become employed, there is more money in the household, it can mitigate conflict and there are more options for children in terms of education, sports and normal activities that people in normal families have,’’ Dalton says.

Dalton’s comments come after CCTV footage was released showing around 20 youngsters aged 12 to 15 attempting to break into the Mobil service station on March 17. Members of the group also allegedly stole 10 boxes of beer from The Shed liquor store.

Four of these youths are facing several charges in relation to a separate incident on March 23, when a stolen vehicle ploughed through cattle near Ohaeawai. Three cows were euthanised.

Data provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries reveals 16.9 per cent of Northland people aged between 16 to 24 years old are not in employment, education or training programmes. Dalton says this percentage is higher in Kaikohe and Kaitaia.

Kaikohe community patrol leader Tony Taylor called for the council to bring about an emergency curfew. Far North mayor John Carter ruled that out. Social agencies need to address the families involved as an entire family not separately as children or parents, he says.

‘‘We can’t arrest our way out of this problem...these are generational issues that have been brought about by failed policies.’’