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More than 200 people came together to march the streets of Palmerston North on Friday with one clear message – no more violence.
The peace march was organised by former gang members Hemi Davidson and Matthew Ngatai Te Moananui to address rising tensions between the Black Power and Mongrel Mob.
The march started outside Legacy Church at noon, with hundreds of people gathering in the car park.
The march weaved its way along Pioneer Highway and Botanical Rd until it reached the Highbury Shopping Centre.
Along the route people came out to cheer the marchers on and shouted ‘yeah Highbury’, ‘we’re so proud of you’.
Warwick Smith/Stuff
The peace march organised and lead by Hemi Davidson, left, and Matthew Ngatai Te Moananui, centre.
Davidson said he was “over the moon” with the turnout.
Since his story about the march ran in Stuff earlier this week, Davidson said he’d had to turn his phone off, so many people were reaching out to him.
“Even my foster parents from like 30 years ago … and my foster brothers and sisters.
“But that’s what it’s about – reconnecting.”
Warwick Smith/Stuff
Hemi Davidson carries the cross from Legacy Church as he marches towards Highbury.
Looking out across the newly-renovated shopping centre, Te Moananui said he was proud of the sense of community that had been created.
“It’s beautiful. Just look at this. This is a community and this is what it’s all about.
“Everyone is having a good time, people are talking – some who have probably never even met each other – and we did this.”
Gang tensions in the city came to a head on August 6 when Mongrel Mob member Hori Gage was fatally shot in his driveway on Croyden Ave in Highbury.
Warwick Smith/Stuff
The march makes its way from Church St to the Highbury Shopping Centre.
Just three months earlier fellow Mobster Raniel Kiu suffered serious injuries at a house on Dahlia St in the central city. He was taken to hospital and died.
Davidson said they wanted gangs to stop the violence. He was once a member of the Black Power and had his own criminal history.
But he had made changes for the better eight months ago and had put down his patch.
He no longer drank alcohol or took drugs, and said even swearing was off the table now.
Warwick Smith/Stuff
Hemi Davidson, left, and Matthew Ngatai Te Moananui’s peace march has attracted more than 200 people, coming together to ask gangs to stop the violence.
“The next thing for us is getting jobs and full-time employment, and reconnecting with our kids – Matty just had a baby and he wants to reconnect.”
Legacy Church pastor John Faiz said the march was driven largely by the Davidson and Te Moananui who pitched the idea.
He said the two men were enjoying a “great moment” but the long-term “radical” change would come from getting their children back and finding employment.
“Those are the big wins. Those are what we really celebrate – that’s huge.”
Stuff
Mongrel Mob members gather on Dahlia St in May after the death of Raniel Kiu. No one has been arrested for his death.
He said Davidson had shown great leadership and he was proud to see so many people supporting the march including local church and community organisations.
“This shows we can bring together all sorts of people from all walks of life.”
Legacy Church community leader Greg Cardno said he too was once a violent offender but he was proof people could change.
“Highbury is united in this fight against violence.”
Warwick Smith/Stuff
Hundreds of people march along Highbury Ave on Friday demanding an end to violence in the suburb.
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