A Black Power gang leader has won a $52,500 contract with the Dunedin City Council to maintain the green space on some sites around the city.
The council yesterday authorised Mauri Kohatu Incorporated to do weed and litter control and path maintenance on a trial basis until 30 June next year.
Black Power members made a submission to last year's annual plan hearings asking the council to consider giving them maintenance contracts.
The council's community development manager, Rebecca Williams, said it agreed to consider employing people who traditionally find it difficult to get work.
Black Power leader Albert Epere then set up Mauri Kohatu, which has been assessed and approved as a council contractor.
