Community wakes to growing problem

The Government says it will take a leading role in helping resolve the youth gang violence in Manukau in which a man died at Labour weekend.

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope yesterday pledged financial and management support for South Auckland communities and research into why young people are forming and joining gangs.

The move came as more than 100 Otara church ministers, school principals, young people and their parents packed into a meeting room at the Otara Leisure Centre last night to formulate a community response to the escalating gang violence.

The Herald was asked to leave until the community had decided "what we want to do about our kids".

But afterwards, beaming youth leaders said they had been swamped with volunteers offering to help.

Sully Paea of the Crosspower Ministries said South Aucklanders were "coming out of being asleep".

"Between Sunday [of Labour Weekend] and today, one thing I notice is that the community is beginning to realise that we do have issues that we need to address."

Mr Benson-Pope said communities were the key in resolving violence among their young people.

"They have asked for our support and we are committed to working closely with local leaders and ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to get their young people back on track," he said.

"The issues behind youth gang culture and youth violence and crime are complex. It is important that we understand its drivers. With 39 per cent of the population under the age of 25 years, South Auckland is a good place to begin seeking answers."

Mr Benson-Pope said a youth support co-ordinator would be funded to work for the Mangere East Family Service Centre to link community groups and Government agencies to provide practical services to young people.

A group including the chief executive of Manukau City Council, the district police commander and representatives from Government ministries would oversee a plan of action.

Meanwhile, two trusts in Mangere have confirmed that they will hold a "Mangere Peace Conference" for their young people at the community hall on the Nga Tapuwae Southern Cross Campus from noon to 3 pm on Saturday.

The event will start with a hip-hop band, cultural groups and a free lunch before breaking into workshops to discuss how gangs and the community can work together to reduce gang violence.

All young people and their parents are invited.

- additional reporting: NZPA