Paula confirmed as true Westie

As final proof that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is a true Westie, the Herald on Sunday reveals that the father of her daughter’s daughter is a young gang member.

The Herald on Sunday have worked hard to make this newsworthy, proclaiming:

Police said Halaholo, 23, was a member of the Thugs of Canal, a so-called youth gang based around Canal St in Avondale. The gang members reportedly have a history of violence and intimidation, creating the risk inappropriate pressure could be brought to bear on the senior minister and her decisions.

I don’t see that Paula gets much choice in who her daughter chooses as a partner, and her “crime” seems to be allowing him to live with her a couple of years ago. The article goes on to say:

Yesterday, Halaholo’s father Lolo Halaholo, 42, said Bennett had been trying to support her daughter and family by taking in her granddaughter’s father.

Viliami Halaholo left Avondale College aged 17 and got work with a road crew. He had been in regular police trouble because of his involvement in up to 10 fights, his father said.

Halaholo’s aunty, Tolo Langi, said her nephew had settled down after meeting Ana, but had still hung around Avondale with his gang associates.

Ana studied at Excel Ministries School of Performing Arts before becoming a mum.

Ana and Halaholo plan to set up house with their child and Halaholo’s other toddler daughter when he gets out, Langi said. The family hoped he would be up for parole this year.

I think this just shows that Paula continues to face the challenges of being a mum, and a grandmum.