Gang liaison worker Dennis O'Reilly says the causes of gang conflict in the northern Hawkes Bay town are intergenerational and will require a much deeper fix than banning gang patches.
Wairoa mayor Les Probert wants to adopt a Whanganui-style ban on gang regalia in the wake of a series of violent incidents between Black Power and Mongrel Mob members.
He told Waatea News that the mayor wants to be seen to be doing something, but it takes more than a gang patch ban, and behavioural issues are the key.
Mr O'Reilly is organising a three day event in January to bring together fathers and sons from both Wairoa gangs in an attempt to end the inter-generational strife.
