Photo: ODT filesA senior gang leader has lodged a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal arguing ``racist'' government policy is the reason so many Maori are addicted to P.Rex Timu is the president of the Hastings chapter of the Mongrel Mob and banned P among his members. Mr Timu pointed to comments posted on blogs as evidence the Mob was ``prejudiced by institutional and interpersonal racism on a daily basis''. ``They are viewed as `thugs on drugs', criminals etc and have found it extremely difficult to access services for those members affected by P, including their children and mokopuna,'' Mr Timu wrote. Mr Timu said the Crown had a duty to address the methamphetamine epidemic among Maori, including the Mongrel Mob. The claim asks the Waitangi Tribunal for a number of recommendations, including a finding that the New Zealand health system is ``inherently racist'' and seeks a review of the policy decision-making process.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2017 02:29 UTC