Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says conversations must take place following the implementation of the new Gangs Act yesterday, focusing on its implications for Māori communities.
The first arrest occurred in Hastings when an individual with Mongrel Mob insignia on their car dashboard was charged three minutes after the Act came into effect at midnight on Thursday.
Potaka says he wants to consistently kōrero with Police Minister Mark Mitchell to ensure he remains well-informed about how the new law will impact Māori.
“In relation to the way the laws are enforced and some of the research that’s clearly evidenced over many years, some of the prejudicial nature of some of the enforcement. So that’s the sort of kaupapa and kōrero that I do need to have with Minister Mitchell, rather than going directly to the Police Commissioner,” says Potaka.
Tama Potaka says his primary concern is addressing high levels of violent crime in New Zealand communities.
