The Royal Commission investigating abuse in care has been told the formation of gangs can be traced back to state care of young people, particularly Māori.
Tracey McIntosh, who is a Professor of Indigenous Studies at Auckland University, told the inquiry that 1975 was an important year in the development of gangs.
She also gave the example of one person who she says moved seamlessly between state care as a child and then into prison as an adult. The inquiry continues on Thursday.
