Minister alarmed at reports of youth violence

The Minister of Maori Affairs says he is appalled by news reports of growing violence among youth gangs.

“I am making a personal commitment to iwi and community leaders, starting with the Heretaunga Taiwhenua of Ngati Kahungunu, to get behind efforts to work with gang leaders and local agencies to arrest this spiral of violence,” said Dr Sharples.

“At the Maori Party caucus this week my colleagues expressed their abhorrence of violence and indicated their willingness to get personally involved in action to stop it.

“Hone Harawira and I have initiated some discussions in Auckland, and I will be making contact with people in Hastings.

“As Minister I will be talking to senior executives in my department, as I feel this issue requires inter-departmental co-operation.

“I have no illusions about the job to be done, but it is an obligation of leaders to take action. We can make a real difference if we take responsibility and get involved with whanau and community groups who are already wrestling with the issues day to day.

“I am not talking about tougher policing and harsher punishment, I am talking about tackling the roots of the problem. Gang violence cannot and will not be accepted, but we must have the courage to make a balanced response that also addresses the root causes of this crisis. They simply cannot continue to be ignored. I'm willing to take such a lead.

“During the election campaign the Maori Party visited many communities where we were shocked at the depth of poverty we witnessed. We saw lack of money translated into lack of food, cold, empty homes and, worst of all, a sense of powerlessness and a lack of hope for the future.

“We also saw some awesome neighbourhood responses to these challenges, where people with almost nothing gave to those who had even less; and we became more determined than ever to support these initiatives through our whanau ora programmes.

“I am determined to use whatever influence I have to pull together community and iwi leaders, to work on flax-roots solutions, and to mobilise strong and concerted support from government agencies.

“The time is past for anyone to sit back and simply point the finger of blame. Everyone must ask themselves what they can do to help – and if we all come together we can make a change.

“You may not think you have much to offer, but every little bit helps. Naku te rourou, nau te rourou, ka ora te iwi . With your small contribution and mine, the people will thrive.

“Over the next few weeks I will be having meetings and discussions to map out a plan of action to respond to this crisis,” said Dr Sharples.

For info contact: Andrew Robb, Press Secretary 029- 482 8494