By Jono Hutchison
The small Waikato town of Tuakau has held a community meeting to address the issue of youth violence.
It follows the bashing of off-duty police officer John Connolly last month.
The town hall was overflowing with residents, as well as representatives from businesses, Government, and community groups.
“It’s about time the parents got in and got their kids under control,” said one angry resident.
Local councillor Brendon Crompton organised the meeting, prompted by the attack on Mr Connolly.
“After what happened the other week, concerns that have actually been ongoing for a period of time were raised by the Tuakau community. It appeared to be a good prompting to pull together a community meeting.”
He says young people have been imitating American gang culture
“In one of my previous roles I was employed as a youth justice manager and I had kids who I’d come across who would actually speak with American accents. I mean, the way they write ‘rapping-type’ writing is copied exactly from American culture.”
Franklin District Mayor Mark Ball says the community has had enough.
“They’ve had an absolute guts full of the behaviours that have been exhibited over the recent weeks and months – and if that’s the catalyst for us to start focussing on doing things well… many hands make light work,” he says.
There has also been a lot of talk about policing levels.
In an interview with 3 News one Tuakau resident, who didn’t want to appear on camera, said there is a significant problem with youth violence in the area.
But while the police do an excellent job, they’re extremely under-resourced, she says.
At tonight’s meeting police reassured locals there is a plan in place to boost officer numbers.
“It will be delivered and those staff will form a six-person team at the Tuakau area,” said Papakura area Commander Inspector Gary Hill.
The officer who was assaulted is now out of hospital, but is still recovering from the attack.
Locals are hoping their efforts will help heal their community as well.
3 News