Local voices in South Auckland warn the boy racer bill risks targeting Pasifika families and cultural gatherings.
The Government’s Anti-Social Road Use Bill is being criticised in South Auckland as heavy-handed and unfair, with Pasifika car enthusiasts warning it risks criminalisingfamily-friendly gatherings and cultural expression.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said events he has attended with his children are being wrongly lumped in with boy racers.
“The Government should not be using a hammer ... it needs to be more targeted and ensure it’s well-defined what type of group they’re trying to target.
“Otherwise this seems to be curbing the freedoms of people to congregate – the freedom of association, the freedom of protest or gathering.”
Manurewa organiser Junior Fa’auiga said the meets are a safe outlet. Local Democracy Reporting joined Fa’auiga at his community car event earlier this month, where enthusiasts showed off their cars and bikes with sirens and music pumping.
“It’s just a safe space that you can come and express yourself. As you can see, it’s family vibes, so there’s not anything dangerous.”
But he warns the new law could criminalise Pasifika youth. “The law says any groups that look intimidating, they can confiscate your vehicle and crush it. That’s not us.”
South Auckland crews argue their gatherings are safe spaces, now under threat from new boy racer laws. Photo / Mary Afemata
He argues councils should provide safe spaces instead of treating car audio crews like boy racers, saying they need places “like skateparks, but for us”.
‘We’re not boy racers’
Simon, a long-time enthusiast from Flat Bush, said misinformation fuels the crackdown.
“We’re not boy racers. Boy racers go out and cause mayhem. We just park up. It’s all for the love of music, family, community.”
“It’s a completely different scene. There’s no one speeding, doing anything stupid. Everything’s done safely.”
For Miu, 20, from Ōtara, the dream is recognition through a permanent space.
“The dream is to get a perfect battle spot where we don’t get intercepted by police. We’re not out there to cause a nuisance. We all come together as one because it’s all for the love of sounds.”
Dorothy Fa’auiga, a mother of six, said car audio has become a way to raise her children in a safe, creative environment.
“Our children were bored, so we introduced them to car audio. Now even our 6-year-old wires his scooter with sirens. We’re not racing, we’re not abusive, we love our cars. Why would we ruin something we put so much time and love into?”
Fa’auiga said gatherings have grown into community events.
“We hold the biggest bass meet in New Zealand. If we had a safe, dedicated space, it would be even bigger. Families could come without fear of being shut down.”
Mexs, leader of the Mamba Familia crew, said the scene has kept young men focused on something positive. “It’s the only way to keep us out of trouble – gang and all of that. We all grew up with our dream car and building it from scratch."
He said the gatherings are about community, not crime. “I’d tell people we’re just chilling. Have a few, a barbecue and show our cars. That’s it.”
Car audio crews gather in Māngere's Centre Park to showcase their cars, bikes and sound systems at a community event organised by Junior Fa'auiga. Photo / Mary Afemata
Apulu: a role for councils and local boards
Autagavaia said the meets show “a whole bunch of positives” that should be recognised by local government.
“They’re not there to race. They’re not there to do skid marks on the roads. They’re not there to destroy public property. Although they’re car enthusiasts, they’re not the ones doing this anti-social behaviour.”
He believes Auckland Council and local boards could designate safe sites and even submit on the bill.
“I’d love to work with the group ... we could do a submission as well. The more councillors and local boards that support this, the stronger the movement.”
Local organisers say car audio meets have become family-friendly events celebrating Pacific culture and cars. Photo / Mary Afemata
Government: restoring safety to the roads
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the crackdown is needed.
“New Zealanders are sick of seeing boy racers and dirt bike riders putting everyone around them at risk. We’re taking action by bringing in much tougher penalties for idiots who use our streets as racetracks.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said boy racers “only care about one thing – their car,” and tougher laws will make them “think twice about fleeing police or driving dangerously”.
