New Zealand’s most notorious gang leaders unite for Covid-19 vaccination campaign

Notorious members from rival street gangs have come together for a Covid-19 vaccination campaign urging New Zealand residents to get the jab. 

Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson commissioned the four-minute video in an effort to encourage Covid-19 vaccination in hard-to-reach communities.

The video features some of New Zealand’s most notorious gang figures from the Head Hunters, Mongrel Mob, the King Cobras and Black Power. 

In the footage Black Power life member Denis O’Reilly who joined the gang in 1972 at 19 years of age says: 

‘I’ve taken a few shots over the time. I’ve taken my two shots against Covid and I’m asking you to do the same.’

Stephen Daley of the Head Hunters, nicknamed ‘Teflon 88’ after being found not guilty for kidnapping in 2016, urged residents to make an ‘informed decision’.

Stephen Daley of the Head Hunters (pictured) said he got vaccinated for his children but people should make an informed decision

‘I myself have got the jab, I don’t wish to put it on any of you but I wish for you all to have an informed decision,’ he said.

‘I’ve got it solely because I care about my children. I got it because I wish to protect my whakapapa.’ 

Mongrel Mob member Dennis Makalio said his thoughts around the Covid-19 jab was a ‘no brainer’. 

Mongrel Mob member Dennis Makalio (pictured) said getting vaccinated against Covid-19 was a ‘no-brainer’

‘At the end of the day, I’m looking at my mokos, my kids. Whether it works or it doesn’t, you know, I’m not going to take that risk,’ he said.

Minister Jackson said he approached gang leaders with the idea for the video after Cabinet discussed how to expand vaccine coverage in hesitant communities.  

‘I put my hand up to do it. I’ve been brought up around a lot of these guys,’ Mr Jackson told the NZ Herald. 

‘The idea is to get them to mobilise their guys. It’s not about supporting gangs, it’s about supporting families. You can say anything you like about these guys… they have a love for their people. It’s good to see.’ 

While Mr Jackson came up with the idea, gang leaders provided the footage which was then edited by Mr Jackson’s son Hikurangi.

‘Not one cent of taxpayer money went into this. I’ll buy my son lunch,’ he said. 

Ta’alili To’omalatai of the King Cobra (pictured) also featured in the video 

Paula Ormsby of the Mongrel Mob (pictured) encouraged vaccine hesitant residents to reach out to indigenous doctors that specialise in Covid-19

The video comes as tough new vaccine mandates were introduced last week giving thousands of New Zealanders one month to get the jab or risk getting the sack.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that 40 per cent of the country’s workforce must be fully vaccinated by the end of November.

People who work at hairdressers, gyms, nail salons, bars and restaurants are among those who will face losing their job if they don’t roll up their sleeve for a jab.

Ms Ardern said by asking people who came into close contact with their customers to get vaccinated it would reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid-19.

Over 88 per cent of the the nation’s eligible population have received one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 76 per cent of residents are double-jabbed.