Take a look inside the controversial Mongrel Mob-led meth programme

July 19, 2021

Mongrel Mob Notorious Chain Dog has 10 members immersing themselves in Māori culture and going cold turkey.

A Mongrel Mob-led meth rehabilitation programme has been in the headlines since it emerged recently that $2.75 million from proceeds of crime funding was provided to it.

The programme has the support of Corrections, the Ministry of Health and police, but the Opposition and Police Association president Chris Cahill are among those to voice their disapproval.

In October last year, TVNZ 1's Te Karere visited Kahukura Wānanga to get an insight into the programme.

Here is their story:

A Mongrel Mob chapter has taken steps to help its own members battle meth addiction through a pilot programme called Kahukura Wānanga.The Mongrel Mob Notorious Chain Dog community have seen around 10 of their members be a part of the first intake.

It sees them live together over eight weeks in Whātuiāpiti Marae, based in Central Hawke’s Bay, immersing themselves in Māori culture and going cold turkey.

Being on the programme, means a drug and alcohol free commitment from the men, who are visited each week by a nurse and provided education about the harmful effects of P.

It’s hoped the environment will help the gang members avoid feelings of judgement and discrimination they may experience in mainstream health services.

Harry Tam, one of the people behind the Kahukura drug rehab programme, says tackling addiction in gangs will only come if members trust those trying to help them.

“In the beginning there was a lot of anxiety and dealing with past trauma, how to deal with feelings of anger, depression,” Te Kanawa Ngarotata told TVNZ 1’s Te Karere.

“It was a mix of emotions coming out, but now it’s really good.”

Mahinarangi Tuhi-Smith, whose husband Sonny Smith is the national president of Mongrel Mob Notorious, said the labels that are assigned to gang members don’t define them.

“It’s about kotahitangi and accepting them for who they are, and for working on themselves.

It was hoped the participants would take the lessons home with them to share with their whānau.

“The goal is to have them go back home and be completely drug free, so while they are here, they stamp it out,” kaumātua Don Hutana said.

The programme has been made possible through Te Rau Matatini and Hard2Reach.

Watch Te Karere's full story here. 

Mongrel Mob Notorious Chain Dog has 10 members immersing themselves in Māori culture and going cold turkey.

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