‘Gang activity has never been worse’
Police Minister and Napier MP Stuart Nash says the gang activity in his home town has never been as bad as it is today.
Concerns are heightened following a rash of gang confrontations in the area over recent months, culminating in a shooting on the main street of Taradale.
Nash, who was born and raised in the city, has organised and will be attending a public meeting in Taradale tomorrow in which the issue will be addressed.
He is unsure yet if he will be speaking, but says it will be an opportunity for people to hear from police firsthand about the local and national gang strategy.
‘‘Gang activity here, like elsewhere, is much worse today than it ever was and it’s driven by the methamphetamine trade. We know the drug trade is putting $500 million into gang pockets and it’s a major focus for police,’’ he said.
Police say the number of gang members in Eastern District has increased by 58 per cent since 2016.
Incidents like the one in Taradale may be carried out by ‘‘yobbos’’, but the public should know the leading figures are ‘‘sophisticated, organised and wealthy’’, Nash said.
‘‘My office has received a number of emails from people who do not understand what is going on. That’s understandable and this meeting will be their opportunity to find out.
‘‘As [Eastern District] police commander Tania Kura said, this is about more than just police. This is certainly not something we can arrest our way out of, or ban patches and hope it all goes away,’’ he said.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise would also be attending the meeting, to be held at 3pm tomorrow at the Taradale Town Hall.