From NZ Herald · · 2m
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Labour wrong to fund Mongrel Mob rehab
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says party funded Mongrel Mob addiction program incorrectly.
In brief
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says party funded Mongrel Mob addiction program incorrectly. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says party was wrong to fund Mongrel Mob-run addiction program when in power. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Labour funding decision
Labour approved $2.75 million in Proceeds of Crime funding for Hard 2 Reach, a Mongrel Mob-run addiction program.
Program structure
Hard 2 Reach worked with Mongrel Mob chapters, AOD clinicians, fitness instructors and suicide prevention educators.
Leadership approval
Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, Poto Williams and Kris Faafoi signed off on the funding.
Funding pulled
Police Minister Mark Mitchell called Labour's decision 'perverse' and funding was withdrawn in 2024.
Program results
A report showed a 'significant' number stayed clean in follow-up testing three months after program ended.
Political backlash
Green and Te Pāti Māori MPs photographed with Mongrel Mob members at Auckland gang pad.
Hipkins' criticism
Hipkins called Labour's funding 'a huge error of judgment' and ruled out Te Pāti Māori and Greens from key ministerial roles.
Hipkins' stance
Hipkins said no MPs should visit gang pads and criticized meth use tripling in three years.
Te Pāti Māori response
Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara vowed to restore 'mana' to gang members during visit.
National's response
National's justice spokesman Paul Goldsmith questioned Labour's trust on gangs and funding decisions.
Hipkins' comparison
Hipkins compared funding gang programs to 'asking arsonists to put out the fire'.
Marama Davidson's stance
Green co-leader Marama Davidson said she was open to supporting Mongrel Mob meth rehabilitation program.
Hipkins' commitment
Hipkins pledged no future funding for gang-led programs after Davidson's comments.
Kaipara's statement
Kaipara told Mongrel Mob members they are 'tangata whenua' and descendants of Māui and Toi.
Kaipara's policy
Kaipara said community engagement is more important than perceptions of gang involvement.
What happens next
Hipkins rules out Te Pāti Māori and Greens from key ministerial roles if they form next government.
The headline
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says party was wrong to fund Mongrel Mob-run addiction program when in power.
