22 Jul 2008
First of all, on behalf of the Asian Anti-Crime Group (AAG), I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who participated in the march on 5 July. Special thanks go to AM9.36, WTV, Chinese organisations, St. John Ambulance, Botany Downs Secondary College, Police and Manukau City Council.
AAG was founded and supported strongly by volunteers with a common cause. Like any new voluntary organization we lack the experience and always in need of resources. During the short period of organising the march, we were intensively communicating with City Council, Police, Botany Downs Secondary College and some other institutions, and hence were not able to take care of some other important aspects, such as talking with the media and other Chinese organisations. Although the anti-crime protest march was a resounding achievement, coordination of the march was not as good as we would like to see. Nevertheless, it was a peaceful and stunning march. Good to see the Chinese community demonstrated its unbelievable unity.
During the march, I did not had the chance to speak out about how to strengthened individual self-defense. When I had the chance at the end of the march to say something, I was misled by some interviewers question. In the heat of the rally, some of words were not well chosen and hence, were taken out of the context, particularly those involving triads. This is truly regrettable. Anyhow, those remarks are not and should not detract from the key message of the anti-crime march. They are by no means represent the views of those participated in the march.
AAG and myself are pleased to let you know that we are continuously gaining positive results since the march.
As an example, the police have started patrolling the streets in eastern suburbs. On top of that, I have been invited to meet with officials from Manukau City and some councillors to exchange our views on improving community safety.
On 10 July, with the help of the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Council, we had a productive meeting with Superintendant Mr Wallace Haumaha. The meeting lasted two and a half hours. We presented a petition to Mr Huamaha. It was agreed that we should meet again in about a week.
What is even more encouraging is that Manukau City Council has passed a proposal to hire 50 private security guards to patrol the streets of Manukau City as an effort to reduce crime. The proposal has been endorsed by police.
Since the march, myself, my family and AAG members have been under tremendous pressure from various sources. We are not without fear and worry. However, for the sake of a better New Zealand, we are determined to lead the anti-crime movement. If our community safety is not improved, I strongly believe Asian communities will organise more marches and an even larger number of people will participate.
Once again, AAG and myself unreservedly thank all participating individuals and organisations, particularly AM936 and WTV for their contribution to the anti-crime cause.
Keep NZ Crime-Free!!
Yours truly
Peter Low
Chairman of AAG
