Hone Harawira says the Gang Patch law is an opportunity for members to reconnect with their hapori.
A petition has been launched calling for Tū Tangata patches to be added to the Gangs Act and prohibited, alongside Mongrel Mob, Black Power, and others.
This follows last weekend’s interruption of several Auckland Pride Month events.
The former Te Pāti Māori MP and Mana Party leader says he has told gang affiliates seeking his support that he doesn’t want to see gang patches on his marae or in his hapori, as they do not present a positive image for Māori.
He takes inspiration from an OG gangster who spoke about how rebuilding the whānau could eliminate the need for gangs or patches.
“For me, my drive is not so much to not want to see patches but to do whatever it takes to bring people. And I’m not just talking about Blacks and Mobsters either, talking about many others, including some of those Tū Tangata brothers, bringing them back to love just being Māori,” says Harawira.
Hone Harawira says Man Up has done amazing work, with gangsters healing gangsters however, Brian is misusing his influence with them.
