BLACK POWER
MANGU KAHA

Black Power in New Zealand began as a defiant response to systemic racism and the marginalization of Māori during the 1960s.

The origins of Black Power can be traced back to key influential figures such as Whare "Gypsy" Pitman in Auckland and Rei Harris in Wellington, who spearheaded efforts to provide a sense of belonging for Māori facing racism and discrimination. This rōpu developed in response to the exclusionary practices of groups like the Hells Angels and drew strength from its roots in precursors like the Black Bulls and the Rat Patrol in Whakatāne. From the 1960's, Black Power fostered a sense of community for Māori across Aotearoa, from Ahipara, Kaitaia, Whangarei, and Whakatāne to Raupunga, Pukekohe, Manawatū, Hawke's Bay, Ōtautahi (Christchurch), and as far south as Ōtepoti (Dunedin). Timaru and Invercargill.

 

Black Power’s early formation was driven by the racial tensions between Māori and white-dominated organizations like the Hells Angels, who excluded non-white members. This exclusion heightened the divide between Māori and Pākehā, reinforcing Black Power’s role as a group resisting systemic discrimination and giving Māori youth a sense of identity and belonging. Their early embrace of the "widgies and bodgies" subcultures, with their denim vests and rebellious attitude, reflected the rōpū's defiance against a society where it was almost illegal to be Māori.

 

Though initially associated with crime and gang conflicts, Black Power’s trajectory shifted over time. The organization became increasingly involved in community development, cultural preservation, and political engagement, highlighting the rōpū’s evolution into a force for Māori and Pacific empowerment. This transformation is especially evident in the rōpū's achievements across various sectors, including business ventures, social projects, and collaborative political initiatives.

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Collective Leadership and Collaborative Achievements

 

Black Power’s success is driven by collective leadership rather than the efforts of a few individuals. Figures like Mark Pitman, Abe Wharewaka, Gypsy Pitman, Martin Cooper,  Suey Tua, Paora White, PJ Ford, Rei Harris, Sarge McKinnon, Ardie Beazley, Shane Turner, Albie Epere, Knockers Allen and many others have all contributed significantly to the rōpū’s growth and transformation, but their achievements reflect a broader collaboration within Black Power. The rōpū’s various chapters—particularly in Auckland and Wellington—have worked together to support initiatives like the PEP schemes, the Panmure Basin Walkway, and youth boxing programs. Denis O’Reilly, one of Black Power’s Wellington-based life members, has played a key role in guiding the rōpū’s community engagement efforts, particularly focusing on youth services, social services, and Māori empowerment. His leadership highlights the interconnectedness between different Black Power chapters and the shared goal of uplifting marginalized Māori communities .

 

Achievements in Business and Community Development

 

One of the defining moments in Black Power’s evolution was its involvement in the "Project Employment Programme (PEP) schemes" during the 1980s. These government-funded initiatives aimed to provide job opportunities and skills training for unemployed Māori and Pacific Islanders. Black Power members engaged in construction, landscaping, and other trades through PEP schemes, enabling them to gain skills and financial stability. One of the rōpū’s most significant accomplishments through this program was the Panmure Basin Walkway in Auckland. This infrastructure project showcased the rōpū's ability to contribute positively to public infrastructure while providing its members with meaningful employment opportunities. The success of the walkway project demonstrated Black Power’s commitment to community development and its desire to foster positive relationships within the local community.

 

In addition to business ventures, Black Power extended its influence into the media with the creation of their newspaper, "Te Iwi". This publication provided a platform for Māori and Pacific Islander voices, advocating for issues such as racism, poverty, and Māori self-determination. "Te Iwi" also promoted Māori culture, encouraging unity and community pride. By producing this newspaper, Black Power members addressed broader societal issues and furthered the rōpū’s mission to challenge the marginalization of Māori and Pacific peoples.

 

Sports and Charitable Engagement

 

Sport has been a key area where Black Power demonstrated its ability to build bridges and foster positive community relations. The rōpū organized a notable charity rugby game between Black Power members and the police, symbolizing a move toward reconciliation and cooperation. The event highlighted the rōpū’s efforts to mend relationships with law enforcement, showing that despite a history of conflict, mutual respect could be achieved. The charity game also emphasized Black Power’s commitment to using sports as a means of community engagement and bridging societal divides .

 

The Kia Kaha Boxing program, led by Mark Pitman, is another example of Black Power’s positive involvement in youth development. This initiative helped young Māori and Pacific Islanders find focus, discipline, and self-respect through boxing, offering them an alternative to gang life. Boxing became a vital tool in preventing youth from engaging in criminal activities and provided them with opportunities to develop positive identities. Kia Kaha Boxing also aligned with Black Power’s broader mission to combat racial marginalization by fostering pride and strength among Māori youth.

 

Political Engagement and Collaborations

 

Politically, Black Power’s engagement has evolved from resistance to collaboration with governmental and political organizations. During the 1970s and 1980s, Black Power had a notable relationship with Prime Minister Rob Muldoon, who sought to engage the rōpū in efforts to address Māori disenfranchisement. This engagement signaled the beginning of Black Power’s shift toward working with government institutions to influence social change.

 

More recently, Black Power has worked in partnership with the Māori Party, a political group focused on Māori rights, sovereignty, and social justice. This collaboration reflects the rōpū’s continued commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for the empowerment of Māori communities. Black Power’s involvement in political discussions and their alignment with the Māori Party has helped broaden the scope of their influence beyond the rōpū itself, furthering the group's ability to affect change at the national level.

 

A striking example of Black Power’s political engagement was Shane Turner, a Black Power member, running for the position of mayor in Christchurch. Turner’s campaign focused on social justice issues such as homelessness, youth unemployment, state wards, and police relations, showcasing Black Power’s emphasis on advocating for marginalized communities.

 

Rehabilitation, Te Whare Mana, and Cultural Empowerment

 

The Piki Mai Trust, based on Jolson Road, serves as a cornerstone of Black Power’s efforts in rehabilitation and reintegration. Functioning as a marae, the Piki Mai Trust offered services to former gang members seeking to reenter society, emphasizing education, employment, and health. The marae structure is culturally significant, providing a safe space for Māori to reconnect with their traditions while accessing necessary support. This initiative reflects Black Power’s ongoing commitment to supporting Māori in overcoming the socio-economic barriers they face, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation. From the Piki Mai Trust,  we now have Te Whare o Mana Marae, located on Jolson Road, continuing the focuses and efforts, further expanding Black Power’s reach in supporting vulnerable Tangata Whenua through education and cultural engagement .

 

Cultural empowerment has also been a key aspect of Black Power’s evolution. The rōpū has promoted kapa haka, the traditional Māori performing art, as a way to foster unity and pride within Māori communities. Through kapa haka, whānau engage with their heritage and affirm their identity in a society where Māori culture is often marginalized. This cultural engagement is central to Black Power’s mission of promoting Māori pride and empowerment in the face of ongoing racial discrimination.

 

Documentary and Media Presence

 

Black Power’s transformation over the decades is well-documented in the 2009 film "Black Power Fast Forward", which explores the rōpū history and its evolving role in New Zealand society. The documentary features key interviews with Denis O’Reilly, Martin Cooper, Rei Harris, and Knockers Allen, all of whom provide valuable insights into Black Powers development from its early days to its modern-day focus on community development, rehabilitation, and cultural empowerment . The film illustrates Black Power’s significant shift from being primarily seen as a gang involved in crime to becoming an organization dedicated to promoting Māori rights and contributing positively to society. It also highlights the involvement in youth development, employment, and cultural revival efforts.

 

Conclusion

 

The history of Black Power in New Zealand is a complex and evolving narrative of resistance, resilience, and community-building. From its beginnings in response to systemic racism, Black Power has grown into an organization deeply involved in business ventures, community development, political engagement, and cultural preservation. The rōpū’s achievements—including the construction of the Panmure Basin Walkway, the publication of "Te Iwi", the Kia Kaha Boxing program, and the establishment of Piki Mai Trust—demonstrate Black Power’s ongoing commitment to uplifting Māori and Pacific communities.

 

Sporting events like the charity rugby game, political engagement with figures like Shane Turner, and collaborative efforts with the Māori Party underscore Black Power’s shift toward positive community impact and political influence. Documentaries like "Black Power Fast Forward" further illustrate the rōpū’s transformative journey from a group rooted in racial resistance to one focused on social justice, cultural empowerment, and community rehabilitation. Ultimately, Black Power’s legacy is one of collective leadership, cultural pride, and a relentless commitment to confronting the challenges of marginalization and inequality.

 

Sources:

- Gilbert, J. (2010). *Patched: The History of Gangs in New Zealand*.

- Moir, J. (2018). "The social roots of gang culture in New Zealand." *Radio New Zealand*.

- Taonui, R. (2020). *Ngā Kākahu – Māori clothing and adornment*. Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- "Black Power's community initiatives and PEP schemes." *Stuff News*.

- "Te Iwi: Black Power’s voice in the media." *NZ Herald*.

- "Black Power Fast Forward" (2009 documentary).

- Bargh, M. (2014). *Māori Politics: A Political History of the Māori Party.* *Canterbury University Press*.

- Wairua, R. (2021). "Transforming lives: Black Power and community development." *Māori Development Journal*.

- O'Reilly, D. (2015). "Grassroots engagement and Māori empowerment." *Social Justice Review*.

- **Reedy, T.** (2017). "The Rugby Charity Game between Black Power and the Police." *NZ