Tukirunga Steven Perenara, 34, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday on a host of charges, which began with a road rage incident last year.
Judge Kevin Phillips was amazed by the rehabilitative work the defendant had put in since leaving the city for the North Island while on bail.
"I was really, really impressed with it overall. You’ve done extremely well."
The court heard Perenara was installed as the president of a newly formed Black Power South Island chapter based in Dunedin.
On November 19 last year, the defendant was in Great King St, decked out in full gang regalia when he tried to turn into a fish market.
Because of roadworks, he had to reverse, prompting an admonishing honk from a driver behind.
Court documents described how Perenara got out of his car in "an aggressive manner" and advanced on the victim before returning to his vehicle to arm himself with a tyre iron.
He lifted the tool above his head, "questioning what he was going to do about it".
The victim fled, and the incident led to police visiting the defendant’s Brockville home the next day.
When officers saw cannabis they executed a warrantless search through which they seized $2000 of the class-C drug, a tick list, scales and a large supply of packaging.
"The defendant’s address and the approach was protected by way of four CCTV cameras and he was transmitting and listening to the New Zealand police emergency response channel," a summary of facts said.
On a fridge in the converted bar was a list of the gang’s club rules and beside that was 0.4g of methamphetamine.
A search also turned up a glass pipe and two light bulbs modified for smoking the class-A drug.
Counsel Andrew Dawson said Perenara had been embraced by his family up north and there was a comprehensive plan in place in conjunction with community services.
Judge Phillips said the defendant’s trajectory into gang life was hardly surprising since his father had been heavily involved.
"You had really no other option open to you."
Perenara was also convicted of assaulting his son, a week after police raided his home, striking him at least once in the face.
The judge said the attack was serious but commended the defendant for cutting his gang ties.
"It’s clear you’ve taken every step open to you to get away from the life you once had ... to build a proper and appropriate life for yourself and your family and become a role model.
"I congratulate you but I also have to sentence you."
Perenara will serve nine months’ home detention in the North Island.
