Retail Frenzy

“NATIONAL HATES GANGS.”

That blunt three-word declaration stood out – as it was intended to – in reports about the party’s recent social services discussion document, which promised National would crack down on gangs, and require gang members to prove they don’t have illegal income or assets before receiving a benefit. Further details of that and other measures can be expected in the “Gang Plan” the party will release next year.

Along with standing up for motherhood and apple pie, being anti-gang would hardly seem a contentious position. Putting the usefulness of “hate” to one side, the gangs’ role in the explosion of methamphetamine use alone makes them pretty easy to dislike. And no matter who is in government, our police routinely devote vast