Editorial: Sponsors give their backing to crime

The Headhunters have ingratiated themselves into the community by raising funds for a variety of local causes.

A few years ago the Rebel MC gang set up a boxing gymnasium in Whangarei.

"We're a club," they said. They had an open day - there was even a bouncy castle for the kids.

Police rate the Rebels high on the "public enemy" scale when it comes to organised crime.

The attempt to integrate themselves into the community via open days, bouncy castles and boxing training facilities was a marketing exercise.

Their landlord apparently had no idea who his tenants were when he leased the Commerce St property to them. The Rebels left after a blaze of negative publicity, unashamedly led by this newspaper.

In Wellsford, the Headhunters MC have a "chapter". They have achieved what the Rebels attempted in Whangarei. In Wellsford, they are seen as the "good guys", not the "bad guys".

The Headhunters have ingratiated themselves into the community by raising funds for a variety of local causes. On Saturday, there is an Outlaw Run organised by the Headhunters. Motorcyclists and classic cars are invited to take part.

Posters in the main street in Wellsford advertise the run, the list of sponsors underneath is lengthy. The names of various chapters of the Headhunters and the local embroidery shop sit side by side as supporters of the event.

There are motorcycle shops, pubs, liquor stores, tattooists, etc all listed as sponsors.

Listed as supporters of the Headhunters. And therefore, listed as supporters of the organised crime that the Headhunters are involved with.

Last December, a house was raided near Whangarei.

In one three-day period, $3 million worth of meth was cooked at the property. The drug manufacturing was linked to the Headhunters.

Some Wellsford businesses say they have no problem supporting the Headhunters. In doing so, they support crime. In particular, a drug trade destroying the lives of New Zealanders.

Motorists on State Highway One need a reason to stop and spend their money in Wellsford. By supporting the Headhunters, Wellsford has given motorists a reason to keep driving.