Gang dad stunned by reaction

Skip Taitapanui is happy for his complaint to go through the proper school channels. Photo/File

Whakatane man Skip Taitapanui has been overwhelmed by the nation's response to his exclusion from his son's school camp.

Since the story broke last week, the topic has been the subject of television and radio shows, online forums, and is being talked about extensively within the Eastern Bay community.

Mr Taitapanui was initially selected as a James St School camp parent for his son's Term 4 class trip to Hamilton, but was later called into the principal's office and told he could not go as he was an active gang member.

Astounded by the decision as he had already been allowed to go on an overnight stay with the class earlier in the year, Mr Taitapanui went public with his disappointment.

"It's been an interesting week, listening to and reading the views of others," Mr Taitapanui said. "One thing that is really clear is the lack of understanding about gang life, but that's not unexpected. Maybe it's more a fear of the unknown."

He said the suggestion to leave the gang, expressed by many, was not the solution for him.

"Like I said in the first story, I was drawn to the gang for the sense of whanau and that hasn't changed. What has changed is the way I think since first joining."

According to Mr Taitapanui, he has seen monumental changes take place within the gang over the years, including a focus on the next generation and ensuring they gain skills and education toward employment.

Last year, Black Power held a family fun day in Whakatane that involved netball, league and food, with members travelling from around the country to take part.

"I think it's about becoming more transparent about gang life," Mr Taitapanui said.

He also talked about televised peace talks between influential Black Power and Mongrel Mob presidents earlier this year, and how police have said they were willing to enter talks with the two gangs about turning their backs on crime.

"Things are changing."

This week Mr Taitapanui had to dissuade groups from picketing outside James St School. He also spoke to more than one parent who had threatened to withdraw their child from the planned class trip.

He has been into the school and picked up a complaints procedure form and is happy for the matter to go through the proper channels.