\u201cWe never judged him. We still hold a lot of love, sincerity and warmth for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maaka had been a prospect for the gang for about one year before his disappearance. His body was never found.<\/p>\n
Kacey Maaka told the Herald it hadn\u2019t been an easy 35 years for the family who were still awaiting answers.<\/p>\n
Eight or so years after his disappearance, the Maaka family decided to put a plaque at their family cemetery in his honour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are being realistic. It hasn\u2019t been easy working with the police. They asked us to help them but, honestly, there was a point where we couldn\u2019t any more.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was hurting us never having answers and nothing coming to fruition … and I didn\u2019t want to be put in an unsafe position with who my brother was caught up with in the gangs.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said her family\u2019s rough background ultimately made her brother make the wrong decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had a good life before he joined the gang. He has always been very loving towards his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe aren\u2019t saying he was an angel. He wasn\u2019t but he definitely wasn\u2019t a devil in disguise either.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maaka told the Herald at the end of the day, despite any wrongdoing on his behalf, her brother was still a father, son and sibling.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was hardest on our mum. She would always wonder \u2018Is he going to walk in?\u2019 right up until she died.\u201d<\/p>\n
The father of three left behind his two daughters who are \u201calive and well\u201d with children of their own. His mother and son passed in 2008 and 2012 respectively.<\/p>\n
FAMILY VIOLENCE HELPLINES<\/p>\n
How to get help: If you\u2019re in danger now: \u2022 Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you. \u2022 Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.\u2022 Take the children with you. Don\u2019t stop to get anything else.\u2022 If you are being abused, remember it\u2019s not your fault. Violence is never okay.<\/p>\n
Where to go for help or more information: \u2022Women\u2019s Refuge<\/a>: Crisis line – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24\/7)\u2022Shine<\/a>: Helpline – 0508 744 633 (available 24\/7)\u2022It\u2019s Not Ok<\/a>: Family violence information line – 0800 456 450\u2022Shakti<\/a>: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.\u2022 Crisis line – 0800 742 584 (available 24\/7)\u2022Ministry of Justice<\/a>: For information on family violence\u2022Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga<\/a>: National Network of Family Violence Services\u2022White Ribbon<\/a>: Aiming to eliminate men\u2019s violence towards women.<\/p>\n