Whakatara
Gang Prevention
Gang prevention through compelling alternative experiences
“There are now 6,375 patched and prospect members across New Zealand – an increase of 1,400 more gang members since 2017.
Police say three-quarters of the country’s mobsters are Maori – despite the fact they make up just 15 per cent of the population.
Many said they joined as much for whanau, as for money, power or thrills”
The Economist
The gangs are attractive
Money, Power & Thrills
The mix of money from illicit activity and the power it brings is coupled with the youths desire for high adrenaline activities.
A sense of whanau
Many of the recruits come from troubled homes and crave a desire to be a part of a family unit. The gangs leverage this to their advantage
They are adapting
“In the past, a stereotypical gang member wore a slightly ill-fitting gang patch, looked unshaven and in the need of a shower – that is not the modern game,” – Minister Nash, 2019
The gangs are now wearing stylish label clothing (albeit) in gang colours. They are more active (in a positive) way in their communities e.g. the Mosque attacks offering to be guards
They are using social media to recruit.
How we work
Mana aims to provide targeted programs for high-risk rangatahi by appealing to them in a way that is highly appealing and yet culturally relevant.
How do we do this? We refer to this as our “bright shiny things” strategy. We make participating in our programs highly attractive as we build in high octane and action-orientated elements.
This acts as a front for the educational and hopefully long term aspirational element of the programs.
Capture Attention
What do we mean by capture attention?
Big, brash and bold
We work with the latest equipment and make sure that our equipment is “cool” to the youth such that they want to be seen using it.
Example: Watersports
When we turn up to the Lake to do watersports our truck and boat turns heads! The bold graphics and incredible equipment help the youth to A) want to be seen in it and B) be seen using it.
Active Experiences
Use of equipment in more than just a highly controlled environment.
Multi day-use/experience, not just short excursions where youth don’t really get much of a turn.
Action orientated mixed with cultural learning.
Example: Camping & Outdoor Adventure
Our program will use Polaris Ace UTVs (as shown in pictures). Each youth will have their own UTV. After completing a full day course to be certified in its use and being certified as competent they will then embark on a 3-5 day adventure with up to 5 other UTVs to go glamping “Camping with all the mod-cons”. We will select relevant cultural locations to visit and whilst camping use it as an opportunity to teach them about Flora, Fauna and living off the land. Upon their return, this experience will be used to benefit certification credits
Our methodology (5 Stages)
Making the activity as appealing as possible by presenting ourselves with the coolest equipment and programmes the youth have ever seen.
Engage:
Having programme leaders who know how to engage the youth and can present a successful alternative lifestyle to that offered by gangs or unwanted behaviour.
Training for competency:
Before any participation takes place in any of our Active Experiences the youth must show that they can A) take instruction seriously B) show competency in the use of the equipment.
Active Experiences:
After having completed and certifying that they can complete stage 3 they are now ready to actually experience in a very active way the course. Driving a boat, riding a jetski, driving a 4×4 UTV etc.
Qualifications & Certifications:
Where possible all our programmes will tie back into NCEA and or other tertiary back accreditation programmes. For example, a certificate to drive a fishing boat, or drive a truck.
