Kaumatua 'ashamed' of his heritage

Te Arawa kaumatua Lani Mihaka stands outside the Ranolf St Supermarket every day.

He looks up and down the road, keeps watch on what's going on inside the premises, checks the side road next to the shop, looks behind it and darts in and out of the supermarket itself.

Why? Because he has taken it on himself to protect the supermarket's owners from further violent robberies.

He feels ashamed and embarrassed about his cultural heritage after learning a teenage Maori boy was charged with the latest aggravated robbery that's rocked the supermarket's owners.

Mr Mihaka, a 69-year-old Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao kaumatua, said he hoped his presence outside the shop would stop the teenagers from their "nonsense'.

Bharti and Jayanti Gosai are going to sell the supermarket after two violent attacks too many.

Although a 16-year-old was charged with the latest aggravated robbery at their shop, the couple asked Mr Mihaka if he would mind keeping watch on their premises.

Mr Mihaka said that he takes a koha (donation) from the pair in return for standing outside their shop every day.

Mr Mihaka said the Gosais were wonderful people who did not deserve to be victims of such violence. He has lived in the Glenholme area for 48 years and has bought his bread and milk from the Gosais for the 23 years that they have owned the store.

"When they asked me if I would be kaitiaki [guardian] for them, I felt very humbled.

"Hearing what had happened to them, I was very upset and ashamed."

Mr Mihaka said already his presence was paying off.

"Most of the people around these streets all know who I am ... I see some of these young troublemakers coming up the street and they see me and duck away again."

In August 2003, Mrs Gosai was hit in the head with a piece of wood by a robber. During that attack, the teenager knocked Mr Gosai unconscious before turning on his wife.

The attack on Mrs Gosai saw her taken to Waikato Hospital where she had surgery for fractures on her eye socket and cheek. She had to wear a plate in her face while it healed.

Only a month ago, Mrs Gosai was attacked again by an armed robber.

This time the robber, armed with a baseball bat, tried to hit her over the head.

In a natural reaction to defend her face, she lifted her hand, which resulted in a broken bone.

Mr Mihaka said he had stood outside the shop for the past three weeks and intends to do so as long as the Gosais want him there.

"In the old days it was safe but this generation has changed. I can't make out why they do it.

"I'm very very sad to see this happening, especially to people like the Gosais, they don't deserve to be treated badly.