Gang pledge to keep their head

THE leader of Turangi's Mongrel Mob Notorious chapter says there was no need to consult the community about gang members attending a drug and alcohol addiction programme.

Fourteen gang members and their families are staying at the Club Habitat backpacker hostel as part of a seven-week Salvation Army residential substance abuse treatment programme.

Turangi Mongrel Mob Notorious head Edge Te Whaiti said the programme was held in Kakahi, near Taumarunui, last year without incident.

The gang wanted to repeat the programme this year because of the success members had kicking their habit, he said.

Only two out of the 12 people last year had relapsed.

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Turangi was chosen after two other venues, at Tokaanu and Cambridge, were ruled out. Community concerns with gang members staying at a hotel at Tokaanu and a Christian camp near Cambridge had forced management at both venues to cancel bookings.

"We had two weeks to find suitable accommodation and the backpackers in Turangi was available.

"We did not think we had to consult with the community beforehand because we have never had any problems in the past."

The Mongrel Mob had had a presence in Turangi since 1979 and residents were familiar with the gang.

"When the programme is finished the community won't even know we were here."

The families were welcomed with a powhiri on Monday.

Replica Breitling Swiss Avenger/Evolution Watches Certain conditions have been agreed to during the group's stay at the hostel. Nobody is allowed to leave the property unless they are attending a tangi or going to the doctor, or are accompanied by a minder.

Senior Sergeant Sue Douglas said police were taking a "neutral" stand on the programme.

"We will police it like any other event and the community should not be alarmed."

There had been no problems last year in Kakahi, Ms Douglas said.

"So far it's been good.

"You wouldn't know they were here."

Club Habitat manager Olwyn McNickel said the hostel remained opened to bookings.


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