Under National crime is out of control
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- Date published:
9:07 am, September 17th, 2024 - 35 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, crime, making shit up, mark mitchell, Media, Social issues, spin, you couldn't make this shit up -
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National must be feeling the pressure.
Last year every time a crime was committed they blamed Labour. Alleged soft on crime policies, trying to address the fiscal and moral failure that is our penal system, and repealing stunts such as the three trikes law were campaign opportunities for National to blame the soft lefties.
Armed with dodgy statistics they railed against Labour and promised to restore law and order, back the police and tackle the gangs, combat youth offending, put 300 more officers on the beat and provide real consequences for crime. The phrase “soft on crime” was used that often you would be forgiven to think that National had a trademark on it.
How are they going in their efforts to restore law and order?
Not very well.
There has been a spate of recent homicides. There is a real feeling there has been a significant spike in crime caused by harsh economic conditions.
And there is a real feeling that National is more interested in the PR opportunities provided by crime than actually doing something about it.
The past 24 hours provides a good insight into how the Government works.
Yesterday morning National lauded a reduction of the crime rate in downtown Auckland. There was a Beehive Press release and a walkabout and a press conference from the Auckland Police Station.
From the Beehive Press Release:
“We’re backing Police with additional powers and resources to get offenders off our streets. We’re investing in frontline police with an additional 500 Officers to enable increased police visibility in our main centres and communities. For Auckland CBD this has seen an additional 21 beat staff deployed from July this year, bringing the total to 51,” says Mr Mitchell.
Police data shows that from 1 January to 31 July this year, there was a 22 per cent reduction in serious assaults within the Auckland CBD compared with the same period last year, and an 18 per cent reduction in serious assaults resulting in injury.
“This data shows that we are turning a corner, and that a whole of system co-ordinated approach is working to make Auckland a safe city and one we can be proud to showcase as a gateway to New Zealand for overseas visitors.
The probem with this is that it is doubtful that the reduction is related to the increase in police numbers. The additional police were put into place in July, which is at the end of the period mentioned.
Of even more concern is that crime rates in the city increased by 7% over the same period.
I get the strong feeling that the problem has been shifted, not addressed.
And how about this description of what is happening in the country which could let you justifiably claim that crime is getting out of control.
Today’s press conference followed the release of national retail crime data that showed there had been 8207 more theft and related offences such as shoplifting, 66 more cases of acts intended to cause injury like assaults and 17 more cases of sexual assaults and related offences in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year – a 17% increase.
Over the five months, shoplifting and theft spiked to 49,505 cases, up from 41,298 last year, and 1670 assault cases were attended by police, an increase from 1604.
There was also a total of 106 sexual assaults, up from 89, according to the data.
The data painted an unflattering picture of the Government’s key policy pledge to crack down on retail crime with the introduction of new police initiatives to curb violence and anti-social behaviour.
Then in the afternoon the reason for the walk about and the lauding of a limited change in statistics in one particular area became clear.
The Government’s public service target on crime figures were released and the target has clearly not been met.
The aim is to reduce the number of victims of violent crime by 20,000 people by 2030 but the number had increased by 30,000 since October last year.
Ouch.
Get the feeling the good news early event was designed to try and divert attention from the substantial increase in crime?
To further divert attention the Government announced that it would introduce legislation this week to make changes to the Sentencing Act.
From Radio New Zealand:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced changes to the Sentencing Act after the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The reforms included a limit on how much and how frequently judges can discount sentences.
Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith said the changes meant criminals would “face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised”.
There had been a “concerning trend” in recent years where courts had imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences, he said.
“Public confidence in the ability of our sentencing system to deter and denounce offending has diminished.
“These changes will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, alongside reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15 per cent.”
Changes will include capping maximum sentence discounts that a Judge can order, preventing repeat discounts for youth and remorse, introducting a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers, encouraging the use of cumulative sentences for offences commiteed while on bail, in custody or parole, introducing a sliding scame of discounts for guilty pleas depending on what stage the guilty plea was entered. They have been announced many times.
I wonder if Crown Counsel are working overtime getting the bill ready so that National can attempt to divert attention from the surge in number of victims of crimes.
And I wish they would just let Judges get on with their job. Judges are highly trained and compassionate professionals. They do not need to have layer upon layer of these tweaks being put on the exercise of their discretion. They just need to be able to get on with their job of dispensing Justice.
Jenna Lynch did not hold back.
Did you get that?
The measure that National uses showed victim numbers to be static under Labour’s reign despite National’s claim that crime was out of control under Labour’s watch. It also shows a recent increase in the numbers during the time that National is in control. And Labour somehow was the party that was soft on crime.
Christopher Luxon saying that he was not interested in “petty politics” really rankles. He has built his career out of misusing data, scratching itches and misleading us while at the same time having no vision for a better New Zealand.
This is deeply cynical politics. Celebrating a limited change in local crime statistics on the same day that a significant increase in the number of victims was being announced and then saying you are not interested in petty politics when your whole career is based on petty politics is as cynical as you can get.
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National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...2 days ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...2 days ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...4 days ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...4 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...10 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...11 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...11 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...11 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...12 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...13 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...14 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...14 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...15 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...17 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...19 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...2 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...3 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...3 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...5 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...6 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...6 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
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Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...8 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...9 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...9 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
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- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
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- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...10 hours ago
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- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
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- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...10 hours ago
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"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...10 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...10 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...10 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...12 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...12 hours ago
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The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...14 hours ago
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New Zealand is currently running a structural fiscal deficit, with expenditure exceeding revenue. Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the Government to bring the books back into balance. ...17 hours ago
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And they still are. This "government of responsibility" takes great care in taking no responsibility for their actions.
Indeed everything they touch turns to custard. Maybe they would be better off running a custard pie shop.
That probably explains the recent granny puff piece on minister mitchells policing days.
Build empathy…tick.
Excellent article.
Chur enjoyed yours too.
+100….great post Micky….needs to be repeated with updated stats the day after Luxon announces the next election (if his flaky coalition partners haven't already forced him to call it)
Very few Ram Raid now days under National, hardly hear about them these days, Luxon, Mitchell & Goldsmith have done a cracking job sorting this problem out.
Figures have been coming down for a while. Labour's wrap around policies were working.
Just because you are not hearing about ram raids dosen't mean they are not occuring.
Many more bollards and heavy security structures installed in front of vulnerable stores also slowing down ram raiding.
My theory is that it is a crime of choice for recruitment of young people into gangs, and orchestrated by higher-ups. It's a form of intimidation that softens a community for protection payments. If there's fewer ram raids, the trend is being driven by further up the pipeline.
I have wondered the same thing, ie whether doing a ram raid is a condition of being able to join a gang. But that may not be the case given the age of some offenders.
IMO large scale drug importation and sale has expanded irrespective of which political party was in power. The big profit from that illicit activity is too hard for some to resist.
Sarcasm presumably.
More they have grouped them into the "Burglary" category or similar and not a category on its own so they are hidden from the stats.
Prove me wrong.
No retail crime at all under national
Maybe Mitchell should resign. After all he promised …
https://twitter.com/rugbyintel/status/1835789183669137492
If I had ever been stupid enough to take Luxon at his word, I would have assumed that in a Luxon government, a failure to 'deliver' would be terminal for anyone's career.
I wasn't that stupid. It was totally clear during the election that National was so determined to get their far-right economic agenda in place, that they were prepared to lie outrageously about their ability to reduce crime. And that Mitchell would be in a world of pain and obfuscation within 12 months of them winning. How long till Sonny Kaushal, the guy they cynically rolled out at every opportunity, turns on them? What a disgusting bunch of opportunists National is – they deserve every ounce of this humiliation and more.
Sunny has been paid off.
$3.6million or something to chair a crime committee so he and his pals can talk about crime while being funded for it.
Sunny was "grateful" he told Newstalk ZB – when Goldsmith announced the hush job.
The judges need to start actually sentencing people properly and that could help the crime. Because of this bloke Singe, two people are dead. And he gets 12 months home detention.
Auckland CBD shooting: Man who helped supply gun used by Matu Reid in deadly rampage sentenced – NZ Herald
NZ's incarceration rate is one of the highest in the world 173 per 100,000 – higher than Australia, Canada and the UK.
Of course, it's nothing compared to the USA – which has the highest incarceration and some of the most violent and highest crime rates in the world.
People on the right and on NZME like to cherry pick anecdotes, but forget that the real solution is to address root causes.
Sir Peter Gluckman, John Key's Chief Science Advisor, wrote a detailed report explaining this – for example, he found boot camps will only increase crime and worsen outcomes. He noted incarcerating people would only lead to higher crime in the generations.
The real answers are harder and more complex – but they can be tackled with the right will and courage.
Let's face it, it's easy to let Honeywell and other multinational corporations make money off of NZ by helping Luxon and co build their mega prisons, but all experts agree – such moves will only worsen crime and harden it too.
Now – the statistics tell the story – significantly more crimes under National – including violent crime.
By the same measure, no real rise under Labour.
But of course many on the right will just pivot to – and try to emphasise – anecdotes while ignoring the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in justice.
Finally, incarceration costs a lot of money $200,000 per prisoner per year and that will only go up.
Absolutely. They cannot, and will not, ever see that the lack of care at the top of the cliff (help, listening, empathy,wellbeing,love) leads straight down to the bottom. Been proven so many times. Do most of these People really want to go to prison ? So often..their choices …and paths were made for them. IMO this link would be similar around the World, incl NZ
Ahh – it's our judges' fault. Maybe they're a bit 'soft', but who'd be a judge eh Jiminy.
Ngāti Goldsmith managed to squeeze in 'work' twice – he's a piece of work alright.
Our govt – a coalition of myth makers
Still, maybe there'll be fewer Category 1 driving offences thanks to the Hon Simeon 'I feel the need, the need for speed' Brown.
Goldsmith's served his time doing others bidding and now gets to dish it out from high office.
You could put an ACT badge on him and nothing changes like many others as theyre so interchangeable now.
Luxons managing to the strategy not leading a country.
As is the fact Luxon hasn't fronted up to Q&A for nearly a year.
When a National government wants a non-achiever non-entity for any particular ministerial post they always go for Paul Goldsmith.
And he never disappoints them.
Don't forget Simon Watts.
Yeah, let's leave it to the fevered reckons of Judge Jimmy, that respected jurist.
A snap poll on three news last night had about 80% believing crime has not lowered at all.
It is like their health policy (last government more hip and knee ops for their older voters, less focus on endometriosis etc). This time more cancer drugs (middle class people get cancer too) but it reduces capability in other areas less money for staffing of hospitals and making the health reform (IT and support capacity) work and primary health care – they presume their voters have health insurance to continue to access GP services.
Here they re-direct attention to an increased presence in the central city, and cite success, all while other areas are under-resourced.
And their real plan is to imprison more people, admitting they intend to manage the neglected underclass. So 1961 Hunn Report, assimilate a Maori working class and imprison those non compliant to the settler urban order.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/document/3570/the-hunn-report
The thing is, their immigration policy is going to create a much broader underclass to replace the Pakeha middle class and aspirational Maori working class moving over to Oz. By 2050 we will be the England once left behind – a class divide society.
This is an inevitable consequence of an under-funded public sector and a privileged class not paying any CG or estate taxation.
Mitch & Luxton are doing a cracking job sorting out Crime.
A certain "car crushing" Police Minister in a past National Government, was found to have fudged Police Statistics. Guess what? Said Lady is now the Attorney General, and that is how they roll. Fudging scapegoating and cuts to services and rewards for "face".
A 22% reduction in crime rate in Central Auckland may be good news for businesses in Central Auckland and National cheerleader Sonny Kaushal, but doesn't do much for people in other areas who are sick and tired of vandalism, shoplifting, drunken hooliganism, burglary, theft, speed idiots, drug dealers – the list goes on.
When you have done something about this Mr Luxon, THEN you can bang your drum as loud as you like and I will give you credit as well.
There is a lot more to NZ than the Central Auckland CBD.
They apparently imported more police there to get the numbers down. Crime – including violent crime – is up all over the country.
Wondered if the increase of foot policemen in Central Auckland must have been supplied from somewhere else, and that means that somewhere else is at higher risk. Something like robbing Peter to ……..
Mitch and Luxton are doing a great job cleaning up Crime in the CBD.
Criminals will be voting for national 2026. Economic growth going backward, businesses closing and jobs being lost all over the place, but crime going gang busters, a real growth industry under national.