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Video

Waka Huia - Billy Macfarlane

 He was once a kingpin bankrolling a major meth operation which landed him a 14-year jail sentence. But these days Billy Macfarlane is out in the community making a difference.  The Pūwhakamua program established by which uses te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, kapa haka, and fitness has received wide support from Rotorua police, judges, Te Arawa kaumātua and community groups. 

Puwhakamua - Addressing Addiction and Criminal Behaviour

 Billy Macfarlane speaks at Oraka Ararau: Inaugural National Maori Alcohol and Other Drug Hui 2023 

What's behind NZ's rise in gang numbers?

 Gang rehabilitation leader Billy Macfarlane believes he knows what's behind a rise in New Zealand gang numbers - and he identified the issue years ago.  

NZ gang growth overtaking police recruitment amid gun violence

 The recent spate of gang-related drive-by shootings comes at a time when gang membership numbers are exploding, a rehabilitation leader tells AM. 

Gilbert Taurua and Billy Macfarlane – Toitū Hauora

  Toitū Hauora is an annual event to support current and aspiring Māori Health Leaders.  The event provides an opportunity to celebrate Māori solutions and achievements while creating a space for Māori to prioritise and plan for the future.     

News articles

2nd March 2025 - Rotorua Daily Post

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/family-violence-how-mens-anti-violence-programmes-offer-hope-for-change/2C4O6WXGGFDINHVW47WELKV3SQ/

12th September 2024 - Lake Rotoiti Community Association Inc

https://www.rotoiti.co.nz/please-help-us-maintain-our-berms

13th December 2022 - RNZ

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/480543/an-ex-drug-lord-a-troubled-prison-contractor-and-mahi-to-stop-a-gang-breeding-ground

28th June 2022 - Newshub

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/06/best-way-to-solve-new-zealand-s-drug-problem-is-to-decriminalise-them-former-drug-kingpin-says.html

19th May 2022 - RNZ

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018842567/former-drug-dealer-says-gangs-must-be-outlawed

5th November 2021 - Rotorua Daily Post

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/kahu-ki-rotorua-puwhakamua-shooting-forward-into-a-new-life/VI72YFJXF36YPM2LYQYWALHXNI/

8th April 2021 - 1News

https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/04/07/police-cant-punch-our-way-out-of-gang-violence-problem-inmate-turned-advocate-says-of-nationwide-operation/

4th September 2020 - NZ Herald

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/tikanga-course-for-former-criminals-gets-almost-1m-in-government-funding/GTF5LH3ZNLP32HFUWPOUTLQPBE/

23rd August 2018 - Newsroom

https://www.newsroom.co.nz/systemic-concerns-outlined-at-justice-summit

22nd May 2018 - RNZ

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/life-changing-puwhakamua-course-begins-for-rotorua-offenders/SCPTOV272Q4ISJQG4TI4ZS5DZE/

17th April 2018 - Te Ao Maori News

https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2018/04/17/new-rehabilitation-programme-for-offenders/

2018 - Bay of Plenty Times

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/former-drug-lord-billy-macfarlane-speaks-out-about-bay-of-plenty-meth-scene/ZYATTBWKJ5QBHASYVQ264DYQKY/

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