The owner of a cage fighting club says it is being set up for troubled young people and is not a pad for the Head Hunters motorcycle gang.
Nathan Hemana is a member of the gang, and is setting up the Capital Cage Club in Upper Hutt, which he plans to open early next year.
The property is currently occupied by Mr Hemana's debt collecting business. Photo: RNZ
Mr Hemana says the club has no affiliations with the Head Hunters, and it is about mentoring and helping young people.
"We've got nothing to hide - people are more than welcome to come in here and have a look at the facility and what we're up to. It's far from a gang pad."
He says the facilityon Goodshed Road, which includes a gym, will hold mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, from kick-boxing to boxing.
Hutt Valley Area Police Commander Inspector Mike Hill is sceptical about the lack of gang involvement.
Inspector Hill says troubled youth should not be mixing with gang members or be exposed to unhealthy attitudes to drugs, alcohol, women and violence which forms part of that lifestyle.
Legitimate sports and activities are available in the community, he says.
Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy opposes cage fighting and says he does not believe it is the way to help young people.
