A former gang member says the Government shouldn't treat all gangs as an inevitable evil.
LISTEN ABOVE: Willy McGregor speaks to Mike Hosking
Police minister Judith Collins has announced new strategies to support gang families, disrupt gang activities and stop young people joining gangs.
But ex gang member Willy McGregor said gang members often become involved in crime because of a lack of legal economic opportunities.
He told Mike Hosking he joined a gang to hang out with his mates and colleagues, and it had nothing to do with organised crime.
"We all worked together in the same freezing works, we all played in the same rugby teams, we partied together, we were the epitome of what you'd call a brotherhood."
McGregor was once the President of a Mongrel Mob chapter, but is now involved in turning young people away from gang life.
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