Whakatōhea challenges Police raids in Ōpōtiki

Atereano Mateariki Kylie Poihipi | Whakatōhea challenges Police raids in Ōpōtiki

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Whakatōhea leaders are voicing strong concerns over recent police raids in Ōpōtiki, and it’s impacts on the future of the iwi.

Last week, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said local iwi and hapū were consulted about the raids, yet Whakatōhea disputes this, describing the impact on 37 mokopuna across 15 homes as deeply traumatic.

Kylie Poihipi says the raids echo historical injustices against Whakatōhea and warns the upcoming Organised Crime (Gang Insignia Prohibition) Amendment Act could have lasting negative effects on Māori whānau and communities.

“When I say that I can only talk about mai Ngā Turi a Whārei ki Tuhirau, we are all affiliated, related or we know gang members. So we know that there’s a bigger picture going on to this ture than just targeting gangs and just targeting methamphetamine. Ko ngā mokopuna, That’s the succession of our rohe, that’s the succession of te iwi Māori. So if we don’t stand up and do something today, that’s exactly what’s going to happen to the next tier of leaders for our iwi,” says Poihipi.

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