The man who threatened to bring triads to New Zealand to fight crime has revealed his softer side, during an emotional meeting today.
Peter Low and hundreds of his supporters were welcomed on to a south Auckland marae in a bid to build understanding.
About 250 south Auckland residents of Asian descent were welcomed on to Manurewa marae by Ngai Tuponga in a symbolic gesture of friendship.
“The main issue now is getting to know one another like all indigenous people that is in New Zealand now,” says Tangihaere Kingi.
Leading the visitors in was Peter Low, spokesman for the Asian Anti-crime Group (AAG).
It was Low who mobilised the anti-crime march in Botany last month that attracted more than 10,000 people.
He was also widely condemned for threatening to bring in triads if police failed to respond, but does not regret his comments.
Low admits he lost support as a result of the threats. But he says they got him the attention he wanted, particularly from local police.
“If I don't say the negative things I don't think they would take serious with the AAG,’ says Low.
Now Low says his focus is education. Emerging from the wharenui, he described the welcome as spiritual.
“The chief of the Maori people is very sincere, as to receive us as like a brother, so we got a long road to walk together hand in hand,” says Low.
Low is now considering organising another big march against crime, this time in the centre of Auckland.
3 News