“We are here today coming together as a community to show that we are concerned, and putting the word out to those in the clubs (gangs) to please get around the table and resolve this another way.
“They are a part of the community. This isn't a witch hunt — what we are trying to do is show them that this is the community and they are a part of it and we are asking them to please come to the table and resolve it peacefully.
“Please let's work together, come together and let's resolve this peacefully for everyone.
“We don't want to lose another taonga from this. The leaders need to be proactive and get this sorted.”
People from different backgrounds were at the event.
Black Power and Mongrel Mob members were there to show support.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz was also present. One speaker blamed the Gisborne District Council and police for not doing enough to prevent incidents like this happening.
Police were also in attendance, along with Māori Wardens.
Throughout the event different people spoke about the incidents and what could be done.
One person said she helped the whanau who recently dealt with a shooting to move to another house. She said there had been no support from other social services.
Another person spoke about intergenerational trauma being caused by historical events that could impact people's actions.
But the main message, one expressed by everyone, was the need for a peaceful solution. Everyone present yesterday could help, they said.
One woman called out, “Everyone needs to be kind to one another, show kindness and love.”
Another person suggested such community rallies should be held in smaller parks around the city, to show those areas that people care and want to find a solution.
■ Police have stepped up patrols in some areas after three gang-related shooting incidents in Gisborne and one in Wairoa. Shots were fired at two locations in Gisborne city early on Thursday morning. Multiple gunshots were reported from a property in outer Kaiti and soon after, police were called after shots were fired at a property in Taruheru Crescent, Mangapapa.
On Thursday night police arrested a gang member after another shooting incident at the same address. (See story below)
On Wednesday a Wairoa teen, 17, went to Hawke's Bay Hospital with a gunshot injury to his finger.
Area police commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said the injury was reported to have occurred during an incident on Tuesday night in Wairoa but it was not reported to police at the time.
