Mongrel Mobster's mission to rid community of meth

A senior Mongrel Mob member has joined forces with former meth addicts to try and stamp out 'P' in his community.

Dennis Makalio is sick of seeing fellow gang members and whānau in Porirua pick up the pipe.

"I don't want my mokos growing and putting a pipe in their mouth," he told Newshub.

"We've just had enough, there's no help out there - there's nothing."

Mr Makalio and about 10 others from Porirua, including ex-addicts, have formed support group New Zealand 'P' Pull. They help people wanting to give up meth by offering first-hand advice.

The group says there's only one public rehab centre in the Wellington region and addicts have to wait up to six months to get in.

They say the Government isn't doing enough to stem the epidemic and want more funds put into rehab centres and educational programmes rather than prisons.

Corrections Minister Louise Upston says the Government is already focused on prevention.

"My focus is very much around education because that is a clear connection - if we provide people with greater opportunities then that's a support for them both before they enter the justice system and definitely as they leave."

Ms Upston says she's always open to new ways to provide support at the top of the cliff, rather than the bottom.

New Zealand 'P' Pull held a community meeting in Porirua on Friday to highlight the meth issue. The group plans to build a detox centre in the town and also wants to run programmes in schools to raise awareness.

At present, the group has a weekly 'walk-in' day at the Wesley Community Action at Waitangirua where addicts can seek support. They also offer advice through a Facebook group.

Former addict-turned-counsellor Andrew Hopgood says since the group formed last year they've helped at least five people give up meth, and more than 40 others have sought their help.

New Zealand 'P' Pull is hopeful communities across the country will follow their lead.

Newshub.