Viewpoint – Laser focus on crime

This government is laser focused on putting public safety back at the heart of our justice system. 

As part of this, we’re putting gangs on notice and giving police substantial new powers so the public can have a sense that our police control the streets, and not the gangs.

Gangs have operated in a very permissive environment and have acted as if they have impunity. We’ve had gangs move into our own electorate with the purchase of commercial property in Silverdale. I received strong community feedback about the fact we don’t want a gang presence in our area, or the misery they peddle through drug dealing. 

The government has taken the first steps to address the problem. Our Law-and-Order agenda includes Three Strikes legislation, banning gang patches, limits on sentencing discounts by judges, firearms prohibition orders, giving police the power to issue non-consorting orders and dispersal notices to gang members, as well as establishing military style academies for our most serious violent youth offenders. These changes are designed to remove the danger and risk to our communities and shift these offenders to an environment where we can try to rehabilitate them.  

As Corrections Minister, I recently announced a significant boost in funding to Corrections of $1.9 billion. This will be used to increase prison capacity with an 810-bed expansion at Waikeria prison, strengthen the frontline with more Corrections officers, and meet frontline pay increases. We are serious about tackling crime, and we know that, with the measures we’re taking, the prison population will initially grow. 

As Minister for Police, I made it clear to the Commissioner that I expect police to be highly visible in our communities. Since then, foot patrols around the country have increased by over 50 percent. Police will also be reinforced with over 500 new officers over the next two years.

New Zealand should be one of the safest countries in the world. But instead, we’ve been heading the other way. I’m fully focused on getting us back on track and I’m encouraged with the progress we’re making.

As always, if you have any issues you need help with, or topics you want to discuss with me, my Ōrewa office is open, and I look forward to seeing you all this year.