Unit 88 was aneo-Nazi organisation founded in Wellington by Collin Wilson and later based inAuckland, New Zealand. They were most active from 1997-1998 and are now defunct.
Named after the use of88 as a reading of 'HH' orHeil Hitler as commonly employed by neo-Nazi groups, they also employed the name ofracist skinhead movementBlood & Honour as their motto.[1] They also sought to expand inWellington, distributing propaganda in the city.[2] Seen as one of the more violent groups in New Zealand, Unit 88 have argued that they only used violence in self-defence.[3]
The movement was investigated by the Race Relations Office for distributing pro-Nazi literature in 1997.[4] The investigation was supported by Minister of JusticeDoug Graham, who intimated this in response to a question byNew Zealand National Party MPPansy Wong[1]. At the time it had been claimed that Unit 88 was in the process of seeking to expand its membership throughout the country.[5] Largely aracist skinhead movement, which claims to have around 100 members, links have been alleged between Unit 88 andColin King-Ansell.[6][7]
Unit 88 hosted a large National Meeting forWhite Nationalist from around New Zealand in their Auckland base. This was leaked to the media and caused some trouble with local gangs and police. Unit 88 disbanded and selected members joined with the New ZealandHammerskins who were also expanding at that time. Mr Bar set up a group called 88 Hammers as part of the process to fully join the Hammerskin Nation. The Dominion and the Press news papers reported the link as police raids and street conflict was drawing police attention in both Wellington and Christchurch.
Some attempts have been made to re-establish Unit 88, but it has stayed defunct. Other skinheads who were part of the early formations of Unit 88 formed other groups likeFrontline Skinheads in South Auckland and some joined with the other emerging Auckland group thePsycho Skins (also now defunct).
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