[StevieD]

Just looking at Sky TV in uk tonight, had a programme about the gangs in NZ. Is it still a big problem, or is it a case of typical Sky programming i.e rubbish and sensationalist???

Said problem was big in Napier area :( and all over NZ. Anyone with ear on the ground care to update us on this??

[AliJax]

In the Six months we've been here (Auckland) we've not seen many mongrels as you describe - there was one group of about 5 who we're annoying a fella (looked like a vagrant) after 3 of us we're observing for a while they seemed to leave the guy alone, there is however a large number of 'Hoons'

'hoon' person who drives a clapped out Honda Civic, with a large enough exhaust you can home several rabbit families in, who endlessly drive around burning Fuel, poluting the the atmosphere in not only carbon monoxide, but loud engine noises.

Rant Off, I'm sure New Zealand is no different to other countries, but you just stay away. When out in the city at night I feel safe walking home from & to the ferry, not sure I'd feel as safe in say Liverpool, BTW SteveD been out in Liverpool many times and no matter how safe you feel you do need to look over your shoulder once in a while when on your own - I don't feel like that in Auckland. :clap

[foolsgold99]

I've generally felt pretty safe here, even out here in Inglewood, sorry I mean Ranui.

Your home town is always one of the scareist places, because you know every bad thing that has ever happened there

[Diny]

Years ago we had a friend who was a member of the mongrel mob. Don't know what he got up to with his 'gang of brothers' but he was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He always took the time to stop and say hello and he would appear to be genuinely interested in everything I had to say to him.

I have to admit, although he was only a short little guy, I would have hated to cross him, but I never saw him, or heard of him, fighting. I guess it could be a case of stay out of their way and you'll be ok. No doubt I'll be corrected on that one by others who've had more negative experiences.

Diny

[kiwidebs]

I used to work in a residential home (in West Auckland) for children with severe physical and mental disabilities. The property was beside a reserve on one side and to the back and side were two schools - so fairly isolated. A bit scary when doing a 'sleepover' (trust me, I never slept well!!). Over the road was a mongrel mob house. Never saw much, and never any trouble. Well, one of the little girls was autistic and alot more mobile than the rest and managed to wander off the property one day. She was very gently returned to the house by a very big Maori bloke covered in tattoos and the girl on duty (not me by the way) was very gently told to do a better job of looking after this special little girl!!

You can't judge a book etc. I do think it's a case of you leave them alone and they're generally not interested in stiring up trouble just for the sake of it. Just my take on things anyway.

Debs

[jo b]

I watched it and thought it was more bravado than anything.

Much much worse happens with gangs in just one part of Manchester than the whole of NZ I am sure.

Jo

[StevieD]

Yeah, that sort of confirms my thoughts on the subject! Looked like a typical "Let's find a programme for big hard man Ross Kemp to do" more than serious journalism. Still not saying that it isn't a problem, but probably no more a problem than places the world over where gangs tend to accumulate.

Oh, Alijax, not a prob mate, I know what you mean after having had nights out in most places in the UK. not to mention some of the more salubrious ports around the world!!

[baboonworld]

Watched the docco, also thought that the events were quite old - if they were using examples in Britain I bet they couldve happened last week!

Also - the docco I thought was quite tame - made Once were Warriors look really bad!!!

[Gran]

Curiously, a previous prime minister Rob Muldoon (National) was a patron of the Mongrel Mob. he had a lot to do with them, and when he died they formed a guard of honour!!!!!!

[Diny]

I watched the prog again last night too. Can't say I'm that worried about the situation. Maybe one day I'll be made to eat my words but it struck me that it's very much a gang 'v' gang thing, unless a member of the general public is daft enough to get involved.

What I did find deeply disturbing was how Ross Kemp actually had the nerve to wear those 'old man' baggy around the bum jeans on national TV. Now THAT'S what I call brave !!!!

What exactly does he carry in that back pack anyway?

Diny

[jo b]

His Sarnies of course!!

:laugh :laugh :laugh

[StevieD]

His curly scouser wig a la Kim39 :laugh