Black Power is a prominent gang in New Zealand. Members are predominantly Māori and Pasifika.
History It was formed as the "Black Bulls" by Reitu Harris and Māori youth in Wellington about 1970, but was changed to Black Power in 1971. The gang was founded in response to the rival Mongrel Mob gang and white power associated gangs. The gang then spread to other major centres and rural towns throughout New Zealand.
Founder Reitu Harris was very politically aware, and during the early 1980s the gang gained some credibility; with social activist Denis O'Reilly joining, former judge Bill Maung acting as their political advisor"Ideas for 14 August 2011", Radio NZ and Prime Minister Robert Muldoon meeting with them and helping them to find accommodation and form work trusts."Thea Muldoon with Black Power members", Te Ara"A gangster's life", 11/04/2010, Tim Hume, Sunday Star TimesHis Way: a Biography of Robert Muldoon, page 23, Barry Gustafson, (2000)
The gang is now heavily involved in organised crime, such as drug manufacturing and dealing. - New Zealand Herald, Saturday 05 August 2006 While the gang has distanced itself from violent acts of some of its members, for example, a child abuse case, police have in return accused the gang members of using violence as a 'learned behaviour from involvement in the gang'.
There were 697 members in prison in April 2013.
The Black Power gang also has a strong presence on the Gold Coast of Queensland in Australia.NZ street gangs are facing an influx of Australian outlaw bikers Carl Bradley, The New Zealand Herald (7 February 2019)
Insignia Black Power colours are predominantly blue and black. The patches usually feature a clenched fist which is a symbol of the American Black Power movement. The patch will also be tattooed on the member's body.
See also
Gangs in New Zealand Black Power Mongrel Mob
References
External links Images of Black Power gang from the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa