Tamatha Paul urges safety for Gang members

Atereano Mateariki Tamatha Paul | Tamatha Paul urges safety for Gang members

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Green Party Justice spokesperson Tamatha Paul has advice for gang members interested in attending tomorrow’s Toitū Te Tiriti activation at Parliament.

The final day of a nine-day hīkoi will culminate with protesters from both the North and South Islands congregating outside Parliament tomorrow morning.

Later this week, the Gangs Act will come into effect, banning gang insignia in public spaces, giving courts the authority to issue non-consorting orders to prevent gang members from associating, and empowering police to disrupt gang gatherings.

Paul says that after speaking with gang members participating in the hīkoi, she has observed a sense of unity under a shared cause.

“I have seen different gangs walking side by side for the same kaupapa because, similar to the political parties, they don’t care about the labels they’re standing together for something much bigger than themselves or the group they have chosen to represent themselves. So that’s been nice to see,” says Paul.

Tamatha Paul says gang members must stay safe when the Act comes into force on 24 November, emphasizing her priority is to keep people out of jail.

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