Paying the price for not listening

Shane Jones speaking on Saturday - The 'tsunami of hell' has arrived. Photo / Leena Taylor

Shane Jones was amongst those who spoke at Whatuwhiwhi's anti-methamphetamine meeting on Saturday, offering a powerful message of support for those who were fighting the scourge.

He also recalled how then police officer Paddy Whiu had invited a delegation of elders from Hawaii in 2000, who had warned New Zealanders of the 'tsunami of hell' that was coming their way, a warning that was not taken as seriously as it should have been.

Jones said dealers did not care who they marketed their drug too, and the young were vulnerable. And he wasn't pulling his punches.

"If you know who is hurting you or your whānau, go straight to the cops. Don't let our culture of apologies and excusing these thugs stop you," he said.

"If we are at the point where we have to get a trespass order for our urupa then the only way that person should ever go there is in a coffin.

"Those who deal P see forgiveness as a weakness they can exploit. Act now and remove that virus from the community. Don't wait while they spread fear and thuggery. If we wait then we risk giving up in fear."