Some politicians and political parties have conveniently short memories—quick to forget past positions and even their own words when it no longer suits them. But voters remember, and nothing erodes trust faster than hypocrisy, especially when political opportunism becomes too blatant to ignore.
In July 2021, previous government allocated $2.75 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund to support Kahukura, a methamphetamine rehabilitation program in Hawke's Bay. The program, operated by Hard to Reach, involved individuals with gang affiliations, including the Mongrel Mob. The previous government defended the funding. The decision, however, sparked political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the government for funding gang-affiliated programs.
Yet, when the current government uses the same Proceeds of Crime Fund to set up a panel aimed at supporting retailers and gathering expert policy advice, Hon Ginny Andersen raises an uproar.
If the previous government could trust the Mongrel Mob with taxpayer-funded programs, surely the current government can invest in a panel of law-abiding industry experts—retailers with real-world experience—to provide practical policy advice. What was the daily pay rate for those gang-affiliated programs Hon Ginny Andersen?
Is this misplaced anger? Or is it built-up frustration from spending millions of taxpayer dollars on the mythical mist of fog cannons, only to realize they weren’t a real solution?
In September 2023, Todd Scott, owner of National Business Review, attempted a citizen’s arrest after witnessing a man shoplifting alcohol from Countdown Metro on Lower Albert Street, Auckland. Scott tackled the thief, holding thief for about ten minutes, supported by security staff, before the store manager informed him that police instructed he must let the offender go. Scott expressed embarrassment and frustration, arguing that if people were legally allowed to intervene, fewer offenders would get away with theft.
It should hardly be a surprise if more clarity and reforms are now being sought by amending the Crimes Act 1961.
Todd Scott’s frustration is shared daily by Kiwis across all walks of life, who are sick of watching blatant theft while many struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. With just one police officer per 500 people, criminals have become bolder and more violent, knowing that defending property risks criminal charges. If offenders knew that homeowners, farmers, security guards, and retailers could legally defend their property, they would think twice.
Similar laws exist in Australia, Canada, and the UK, making these conversations hardly a radical proposal. Meanwhile, retail crime costs New Zealand billions, and retailers and security guards continue to face abuse and assaults that no one should have to endure.
Hiding in the mystical mist of fog cannons and doing nothing is no longer an option.
(The writer has more than 20 years of experience in the liquor industry. He is a member of the Waikato Retailers Group and one of four board members of Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not reflect those of The Indian Weekender.)
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