Horowhenua StarThe man taking credit for organising the burn-outs causing anarchy and chaos in Levin says any criticism is just “noise”.
Speaking to Horowhenua Star on the condition of anonymity, he says he organised the mass gathering last year and helped to coordinate their return at the weekend. He calls them “invasions” and says he is considering planning another one next year.
Police in riot gear move south down central Oxford Street (photo Ian Carson), and inset, the man who organised the “invasion”.
Why? And why Levin? It’s not a town usually synonymous with boy racers, like Hamilton, or Palmerston North.
He says he organised the first event as a way of leaving his mark on his home town, just before a planned shift in residence to Wellington.
“I organised the first one. It was six months work behind the scenes,” he says. “There was backlash from so-called car enthusiasts, so we wanted to organise something that was a bit next level.
“It’s central, and there are not as much cops here compared with places like Hamilton and Tauranga.”
Organising and communication are mostly through social media platform Instagram.
He estimates more than 1000 people gathered on Friday night in Levin, travelling from as far away as Auckland, Tauranga, Gisborne and Masterton, with a large contingent from Palmerston North, too.
“Last year’s invasion left people wanting more. I would say this year was better than last year,” he says.
The man is aware of the widespread condemnation for the invasions, but to him the criticism is just “noise”.
“I know there is hate. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. All that hate is just noise. I get the hate, but it’s just noise.
“That’s what you see. That’s your point of view.
“My mum doesn’t like it. But I’m an adult.”
He says he knew he’d attract the attention of police and he knew they were watching him. A CIB agent knocked on his door last week.
“He said ‘we’re watching what you are doing from here on in’.”
Asked if he felt responsible for the people hurt or seriously injured at the invasions – some were struck by cars and sent flying while others were run over – he says it’s up to the bystanders themselves to stay further back.
“That is ratshit. I don’t like seeing people hurt. They got to stay back, stay off the road.”
He says he had approached both Horowhenua District Council and Palmerston North City Council about having a designated skid pad or property where they could stage burn-out events. But he was put off by compliance obligations and expense.
“I look at it as a protest. We need a cheap, affordable place to do this, but the thing is there can’t be all these rules and regulations and standards.”
He warned of more events and more carnage.
“There’s a new generation now that wants more and more and these new laws that are coming in aren’t helping. The new laws are just going to make people want more.”
He says he wanted to repeat last Friday’s event on Saturday night, and again on Sunday night, but it didn’t quite take off.
“It’s our fun at the end of the day. It’s good for our mental health. This isn’t going away and I’m saying that speaking on behalf of thousands.”
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