Latest news with #ROCC
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Scoop
Trusted Porirua Rangatahi Programme Expanded As Part Of National ROCC Initiative
Porirua Whānau Centre is proud to be part of the Government's new Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme, launched in Porirua last week. As a trusted community provider with deep relationships in the region, the Whānau Centre is expanding its Ko Wai Au programme to support rangatahi and their whānau with tools to prevent harm from methamphetamine and organised crime. Delivered in local schools, Ko Wai Au currently focuses on violence prevention, anti-bullying, digital safety, and suicide awareness. The Whānau Centre will now incorporate new modules targeting the risks and social impacts of organised crime, particularly meth-related harm. 'Our kaimahi already have strong relationships with tamariki and rangatahi,' said Porirua Whānau Centre CEO Liz Kelly. 'They're firm but fair, and they bring real energy to the classroom. That makes a big difference when delivering tough messages to young people in a way that sticks.' The programme targets Year 5 to Year 8 students (aged 8-12), with additional one-on-one support available for those identified as needing extra help. The Whānau Centre will also wrap its broader whānau services around these students and work closely with other ROCC-aligned organisations to ensure coordinated support. Teacher feedback from the existing programme has been overwhelmingly positive. One said: 'The tutors really connect and relate well to our tamariki.' Another commented on the value of repetition in reinforcing key messages: 'They think about the consequences before they act.' Kelly said the Whānau Centre's involvement in ROCC reflects the importance of grassroots leadership. 'When solutions are driven by people who know their community, the work goes deeper. 'The trust our community has in us to create safe spaces helps deliver a strong message, and helps our young people see a future that's free from violence, addiction and exploitation.'
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Scoop
Porirua Launches Resilience To Organised Crime In Communities Work Programme (ROCC)
Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau. The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm. Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime. 'We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses - that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side. 'Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times. 'ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,' she said. The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions. Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said 'The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who've seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who've watched their children fall into harm. Who've fought their way back from darkness. 'The people who know what works are the ones who've walked the path. That's why lived experience isn't just included in ROCC. Its centred,' he said. The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community: • Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use. • Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. • Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms. • Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families) Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: 'The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.' She pointed to ROCC's clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support. Porirua's approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies. The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community's perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration. Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It's grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside. A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future. The event also celebrated the community's vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people. 'Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track' says Steve Johnson. This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
Expungement clinic planned for July 4 in Joplin
Joplin residents with non-violent convictions can get a fresh start by clearing their record at an expungement clinic to be held Friday, July 4. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon that day at the Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC) at 1402 S. Main St. It will be held by the Joplin Police Department and the McPherson Law Firm along with the ROCC. "We want to assist individuals who have low-level, non-violent felony and misdemeanor offenses get those convictions expunged from their criminal record so that they may reintegrate more successfully into society," Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson said in a statement. Convictions eligible for expungement are those that occurred in Jasper County, although there may be limited assistance available to residents of neighboring Missouri counties. Interested individuals can pick up a screening forms ahead of the clinic at the Joplin Police Department, 303 E. Third St., or the McPherson Law Firm, 626 Byers Ave. As part of this program, individuals can expunge up to two felonies or three misdemeanors if all charges are completely resolved, including no probation or parole time for at least one year for misdemeanors or three years for felonies. Applicant must have no pending criminal cases. Those applying for the program must bring a photo ID and, if possible, their case numbers. Charges not eligible for this program include: • Any crime of violence. • Any sex-related felony conviction. • Political crime. • Kidnapping. • Any DWI offense. • Felony domestic violence. • Any assault on a first responder. For questions, contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.
1News
18-06-2025
- 1News
Greazy Dogs MC gang drug bust: Police seize $1.5m in assets
A "significant blow" has been dealt to drug supply and manufacture by the Greazy Dogs MC this week, police say. Police arrested several members and associates of the gang, and restrained more than $1.5 million in assets. Thirty-five search warrants were carried out at properties across Tauranga on June 17 and 18, including at the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Police said those arrested as a result of the warrants included "senior members" of the gang, "including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms". Police Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said the arrests marked a successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group operation which began in late 2024. ADVERTISEMENT "This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture." (Source: New Zealand Police) Police said firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash was located during the searches. "In addition, Police's Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles. "Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely." (Source: New Zealand Police) Alexander said he was "confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs' methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the Western Bay of Plenty". ADVERTISEMENT "Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities." Team present to support families Police said a team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities, or ROCC, was also present after the searches and seizures. The team "takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it". "Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua." Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the ROCC team visited homes after search warrants have been executed, "looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested". 'Our local ROCC team, with the support of other police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.' Five arrested and charged
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Scoop
Arrests, Assets Restraints Following Police Operation Targeting Greazy DogsMC
Press Release – New Zealand Police On 17 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the … NZ Police have this week dealt a significant blow to the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine by the Greazy Dogs MC in western Bay of Plenty this week, with the arrest of several members and associates of the gang, and the restraint of more than $1.5 million of assets. On 17 – 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms. 'The arrests and asset restraints this week mark the successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) operation that began in late 2024,' says Detective Inspector Albie Alexander. 'This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture.' Search warrants executed located firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash. In addition, Police's Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles. Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely. 'With the arrest of these senior gang members and the seizure of their equipment and assets, I'm confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs' methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the western Bay of Plenty,' says Detective Inspector Alexander. 'Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities.' Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, has welcomed the arrests of the Greazy Dogs MC members and associates, saying he has seen first-hand the immense harm that methamphetamine causes in communities in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand. 'The Greazy Dogs MC, as with other gangs involved in the supply of methamphetamine in New Zealand, are in this for the money. They don't care about the enormous damage the drug is doing to families in our communities, even though many of them are parents themselves. All they are interested in is how much money they can make for themselves and their associates.' Working alongside the officers undertaking enforcement action this week has been the team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it. Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua. 'What this looks like in practice is officers and senior advisors from our ROCC team visiting homes after search warrants have been executed, looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested,' Superintendent Anderson. 'Our local ROCC team, with the support of other Police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.' Arrest and charge details to date: 25-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine 34-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply 34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine 33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine 37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
