Woodham’s Criticism of MP-Gang Photo Opportunity
Kerre Woodham has expressed strong disapproval of a recent photo opportunity involving Green Party and Te Pāti Māori MPs posing with members of the Mongrel Mob. Woodham stated that the sight of the politicians interacting with gang members brought back memories of what she described as the "bad old days" of organized crime in New Zealand.
Woodham, speaking on Newstalk ZB, said the incident reminded her of a period when gang members were given funding for rehabilitation programs that she characterized as dubious. She also recalled an era when gangs took over roads and streets, either while traveling to tangihanga (funerals) or simply to "put on a show" by moving from one location to another.
Woodham agreed with fellow broadcaster Casey Costello’s condemnation of the MPs’ photo op, which Costello described as "beyond despicable." Woodham stated that she believed the interaction was damaging to the fight against organized crime. She accused the politicians of attempting to legitimize gangs and validating a criminal organization.
Woodham quoted Costello as saying that gang members should remove their patches and meet with officials as individuals rather than representing themselves as a collective entity. Woodham added that while she acknowledged some people within gangs are hardworking, wearing the patch invites judgment due to its association with violent crimes and drug dealing.
Contradictions Between Gang Claims and Criminal Records
In her commentary, Woodham highlighted contradictions between the Mongrel Mob’s current public relations efforts and their criminal history. She noted that the Mongrel Mob Kingdom previously claimed to be "ordinary everyday members of society" and sought legitimacy through an education trust that involved former National Party leader Don Brash and media liaison Louise.
Woodham pointed to the 2023 jailing of the Mongrel Mob Kingdom’s second-in-command for 10 years as evidence contradicting the group's claim of being anti-drugs. The inmate was convicted of importing, distributing, and supplying methamphetamine and a date rape drug.
Woodham stated that the current gang patch ban has stopped overt recruitment in her neighborhood. She recalled a time when gang members would park gleaming motorcycles to attract local children, a practice she said has ceased under the current regulations.