Behind the barricades, is it possible the unimaginable is slowly happening? Are we witnessing the start of a sea change in New Zealand's gangland culture?
In the past week, reports indicate leaders of two New Zealand gangs - the Mongrel Mob and Black Power - are talking peace, looking to join forces for ''good'', and vowing to turn their backs on crime and violence in order to provide meaningful futures for their children.
In a joint submission to the Dunedin City Council's annual plan hearings last week, Black Power and the Mongrel Mob's Notorious chapter made a case for a contract to maintain some of the council's green space in order to provide employment for gang members, and for access to City Forests to provide firewood for families who struggle to stay warm during winter.
Notorious Mongrel Mob spokesman Paddy Mason said ''times had changed'' and both gangs were keen to make Dunedin ''a better place for everyone''. Black Power leader Albert Epere said: ''We have all had colourful histories and we are just trying to change things, to be part of the community. It's not about us; it's about our kids. We have made a path and now we are trying to change it.''
Other gang leaders appear to also be singing from the same song sheet. The Mongrel Mob founding chapter in Hastings opened its headquarters to a 3rd Degree news crew this week, with president Rex Timu saying ''at the end of the day there can be no winners, especially on the violence side of things''.
Black Power founder and national president Reithu Harris talked about ''merging whanaus together, in a positive way, not to merge to do drugs, not to merge to do crime - I'm totally against that - but if we are merging for the positive things in life which is going to affect the next generations of our children then I'll support that''.
It is difficult to know whether the comments are part of a cynical ploy, or indicate real and meaningful progress.
There are many other gangs in New Zealand, and the move could simply be about uniting against a different group. Attitudes towards police, other authorities and the law clearly need to change.
And it must be remembered the ''colourful histories'' of which gang leaders speak are a euphemism for what can only be described as atrocities carried out sometimes as part of violent and degrading initiation rites and often against innocent members of the public.
If gang leaders are serious about providing a bright future, they must also take responsibility for the sins of the past, and make amends, too. The slate cannot and should not be wiped clean in the interests of writing a new chapter.
Seeing will be believing and much will need to be done to reassure the public and police that the gangs really mean an end to their traditional business. As well as disclosing their involvement in unsolved violent crimes, what do they plan to do with their stocks of firearms and drugs, for example?
However, meaningful change has the most chance of succeeding if it comes from within. Breaking the cycle of violence, changing attitudes and building trust has to start somewhere.
And, in order for it to be a success, support will be required. That may mean at a local level awarding a contract or two to the gangs, with the proviso the proceeds don't go to fund more crime, and ensuring law-abiding citizens who might also need work are not overlooked for jobs in the process.
At a national level, politicians must make a concerted effort to deal with the real drivers of crime - child poverty, poor health, lack of education and employment opportunities - and support deprived families and children so they do not need to seek ''family'' in a gang environment.
If gang leaders can walk the talk and help their members and their children to forge a different path, and become contributing, engaged members of society, rather than live a life on the fringes ruled by fear, violence and retribution, the outcome will surely benefit all New Zealanders. But first, gang members and leaders should remember the old adage: actions speak louder than words.
