THEY'RE OUR WHANAU

1.  We, the undersigned, call on the government of Aotearoa New Zealand to reject The National Party's proposed Gang Intervention laws, while upholding its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi.
2.  Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a sacred agreement that was signed between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, forming the foundation of our nation. It is the government's responsibility to honor and uphold this treaty, ensuring that the rights, interests, and wellbeing of Māori communities are protected.
3. The gang culture in New Zealand is a direct result of the intergenerational impacts of colonisation; social exclusion; cultural alienation; economic deprivation; institutional discrimination and racism; and the governments continued failure to uphold article 3 
   of the Treaty of Waitangi: In consideration thereof Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the Natives of New Zealand Her royal protection and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects. (signed) William Hobson, Lieutenant Governor.
4.  Given the overrepresentation of Māori individuals in gangs, any approach that fails to address the underlying systemic issues while disproportionately targeting Māori risks perpetuating existing inequalities and injustices. For every man wearing a patch there 
   is a wife or a partner, there are kids, there are entire communities.
5. The National Party’s proposed law change, characterized by aggressive law enforcement tactics and expanded police powers, should face significant criticism for its potential abuses. We are deeply concerned that the proposed Gang Intervention laws, inspired by the failed 'Raptor' initiative in New South Wales, Australia, may result in the further marginalization and harm of our Māori communities.
6.  For decades, successive governments have implemented tough on crime policies in policing, sentencing and imprisonment. Media outlets, meanwhile, have supported and justified these policies by creating moral panics around supposed crime waves. Opposition parties have put the pressure on by proposing tough on crime policies such as youth boot camps, youth detention centers, three strikes legislation, armed police and more.

The costly mistake made by the New South Wales government with the enactment of Raptor laws should serve as a lesson for us. It is imperative that we learn from history and avoid repeating ineffective, expensive, and harmful policies that do not yield desired results. 

1. We Propose community leaders and political leaders adopt the following alternative solutions instead:
   a. To fulfil the obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we urge the government to pursue alternative, community-centred approaches to address gang-related issues, to actively involve community leaders, Māori organizations, and field experts in shaping comprehensive and culturally appropriate law reform. Their direct involvement will ensure that any initiatives implemented are truly effective and respectful of cultural values and practices.                                                           
2. b.We urge the government for gang communities’ inclusion to solutions - If we want to make a difference within these communities, it makes sense that our people from those communities assist with that. If gangs are part of the issue, they should be part of the solution.
   c. We call on the government to prioritize addressing the underlying causes of gang affiliation and criminal activities. Less investment in prisons and more investment in 
   education, rehabilitation, mental health support, and social programs that empower individuals and communities to break free from the cycle of crime.
   d. Increased resources and funding toward both residential rehabilitation programs and wrap-around reintegration services when coming from prison.
   e. Accessible rehabilitation for all prisoners, including those on remand and serving short sentences.
   f. We alongside many other services and experts believe the karanga for our justice system to be transformed by implementing all the Turuki! Turuki! Report’s 12 recommendations which call for a more humane and just approach for all peoples. https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/turuki-turuki.pdf
3. By signing this petition, we are uniting to safeguard the rights and well-being of all our Māori communities, including our gang communities. We advocate for an equitable, inclusive approach to addressing social challenges and crime prevention in New Zealand. We respectfully insist that Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles are taken into significant account when considering any proposed change to the crime prevention laws here in Aotearoa.
4. Allow Māori be part of the solution.