24. Harry Tam: A Candid Talk on Crime, Gangs, and Change

On this episode, we sit down with Harry Tam, a former public policy advisor and patched member of New Zealand's Mongrel Mob. Harry offers a unique perspective on crime, gang culture, and the societal and economic factors that perpetuate these issues. He criticises the media's role in sensationalising crime and the political rhetoric around being "tough on crime". Drawing from his personal experiences and observations, Harry emphasises the need to focus on changing harmful behaviours rather than trying to eliminate gangs. He also discusses the impact of economic policies on communities and how they can lead to cycles of crime and gang involvement. This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of crime, gang culture, and the societal and economic factors that contribute to these issues from the perspective of someone who has both lived experience and policy expertise.