Rotorua's 'gang problem' deleted

Claims on one of the world's largest websites that Rotorua is a New Zealand gang stronghold have been deleted by the city's top police officer.

Popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia, which anyone can add to or edit, stated Rotorua had been a gang stronghold for a long time, especially for Mongrel Mob and Black Power. It said gangs recruited among young Maori and drug addicts and the city had a reputation for gang activity within New Zealand, second only to that of South Auckland.

However, it said this side of Rotorua was rarely visible to visitors as law enforcement tried to stop the gangs interfering with the tourist trade.

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne said Wikipedia was unreliable because anyone could add or delete information. This week Mr Horne did just that - he deleted the comments about gang problems.

"The comments that were on Wikipedia in respect of Rotorua's alleged gang problem are inaccurate and out of date - and therefore misleading."

Mr Horne said that while the Mongrel Mob in particular had been responsible for lot of the crime in Rotorua during the past two years, it did not mean Rotorua had a gang problem.

"To say we are second worst in the country is absolutely nonsense."

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters agreed the comments were wrong and was pleased they were now gone.

"It might have been 20 years ago but that's certainly not the case now. The police have got a really good handle on what's going on in our city now. I walk around the streets a lot and I don't see the gang patches."

Mr Winters said he might log on to the website and add that Rotorua is the "most beautiful city in the world".

Rotorua defence lawyer Harry Edward also thought the comments were too harsh.

He said most of the gang-related trials in Rotorua were from out-of-town areas like Tauranga, Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

"Rotorua is no worse than anywhere else in the country, especially the likes of Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, Auckland and Christchurch."