Gun violence a worry

Police and gang members were on the same side in Mangere on Friday night at a meeting called to discuss safety in the South Auckland community following a spate of gun-related crimes. About 100 people gathered to share their concerns and work on possible solutions. In recent weeks a Ma¯ngere barbershop was shot up and firebombed, while a Manukau bar was also fired at in the middle of the night. Meeting organiser Joe, a former gang member who didn’t want his surname used, said he could have decided the violence was none of his business, but realised he had to do something.