The South Waikato District Council spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars on a house so that gangsters don't set up shop there.
A map view of Dumfries Road, Tokoroa. Photo: Google Maps
South Waikato District Mayor Jenny Shattock said many Tokoroa residents have expressed concern that the property on Dumfries Road might become a headquarters for the Head Hunters in the region.
The council voted unanimously to buy the property so that it couldn't be purchased by the gang, some of whom had expressed an interest.
Ms Shattock said she did not yet know what would happen to the property, which cost $230,000.
"We didn't want any more gang activity in our community, certainly not a 'gang pad', as it was supposed to be. Because we have got a primary school just across the road."
Ms Shattock said the council has so far had positive feedback from ratepayers.