www.national.org.nz

Collins’ Courier

Delivering results for Papakura

Information from

NOVEMBER 2012 Inside this issue:

Crime down in Counties Manukau Page 3

It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to be your MP for Papakura in 2012.

The electorate covers all of Papakura Township, the Manurewa suburbs of Randwick Park, the Gardens and Wattle Downs. It includes Takanini, Alfriston and Ardmore, Drury and Runciman, Karaka, Te Hihi, Kingseat, Clarks Beach and Waiau Pa.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of you and attend many extraordinary events in your communities this year and I would like to thank you all for your warm hospitality and support.

Despite the challenges New Zealand has faced over the past twelve months, the Government is making good progress and achieving some great results.

Our annual economic growth is 2.6 per cent – the highest since 2007, before the recession and Global Financial crisis. Our plan is building growth-based on savings and earnings, not consumption and debt.

Crime is at a 30 year low, 600 extra police are on the beat, including 300 more on the frontline in Counties Manukau, and the prison population is at its lowest since the 1930s.

We’ve put more than $14 billion into our public health service – patient waiting times are down, visits to the doctor anytime of the day or night are free for most under-sixes and our local District

Visit to China Page 4

New classrooms for local school Page 7

Local league players enjoy success Back page

Judith Collins MP FOR PAPAKURA

Health Board performed 590 more operations in 2012 than last year.

We’ve boosted Early Childhood Education funding, creating 3500 more ECE places nationwide. Since 2008 Papakura has welcomed seven extra ECE service providers.

I came to Parliament in 2002 determined

MP for Papakura Hon Judith Collins with Betty Morris, Bryan Cartwright and Gina Sangster at the opening of the Karaka Bowling Club season.

to be a voice for law and order, lower taxes, and strong, stable government. I’m pleased to say this National-led Government is delivering across all portfolios but of course, we can’t do it alone.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank our local boards, local councillor Calum Penrose, Police, Safer Papakura Trust,

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Maori wardens and community volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure our electorate remains a vibrant, enterprising and safe place to live and raise our families.

Hon Judith Collins MP FOR PAPAKURA

OuR ACHiEVEMENTs

Building a safer New Zealand

Tougher sentences & strengthening bail laws

OuR REsuLTs

OuR NEXT sTEPs

Crime is down

Better policing

The lowest crime rate in 30 years

NO PAROLE for the worst serious violent offenders, under 3 strikes rule

TOuGHER BAiL LAWs for serious criminals

TOuGHER sENTENCEs for crimes against children

600 extra police on the beat

= 20 police

1044 tasers

Lockboxes in police cars

DNA testing for more offenders

6000 families protected by Police safety orders

Levy on all offences$50

Extra places for prisoner education & employment training

2008: 5316

2008: 464

2011: 13,762

2011: 6720

Prisoner reoffending

Youth crime

Overall crime

Violent crime

Law to dismantle gang fortifications

CAR CRusHiNG LAWs in place for the worst boy racers

1031891Recorded crimes per 10,000 people

2011/2012

2008/2009

More support for victims

More effective prisons

The Government’s 2017 targets

= 1000 places

= 200 spaces

25%

15%

20%

5%

4907 victims supported with services funded from the Offender Levy

Drug & alcohol treatment spaces for offenders

www.national.org.nzJudith Collins is working for Papakura

Focus on the Family Court

Alcohol Reform Bill

Alcohol and Drug Court pilot begins

Crime down in Counties Manakau

Working together, delivering results

Earlier this year, Justice Minister Judith Collins unveiled the Government’s plans to reform the Family Court.

“I really enjoy visiting court and justice sector staff around the country to learn more about the opportunities to improve an already outstanding justice system,” Judith says.

“The Family Court reforms will help to deliver a modern, accessible family justice system that is efficient, effective and puts children at its heart. We want to empower individuals and families to solve their disputes outside of court, where possible,

This Government is committed to driving lasting change to New Zealand’s drinking culture. The Alcohol Reform Bill outlines a wide range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in our families and communities, without penalising responsible drinkers.

The Bill empowers local communities to determine where and how alcohol is sold, increases personal and parental responsibility for the support of alcohol and introduces a risk-based licence fee regime to reduce alcohol-related harm.

This month Justice Minister Judith Collins opened New Zealand’s first Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment (AODT) Court trial pilot in Auckland.

AODT Courts, which operate out of Waitakere and Auckland District Courts, handle defendants with severe alcohol or other drug dependencies.

Defendants are given opportunity to deal with their addiction before sentencing to help prevent reoffending.

The Government’s continued focus on frontline policing and crime prevention has seen an 11.1 per cent drop in crime per head of population in Counties Manukau for the 2011 fiscal year.

MP for Papakura Judith Collins says these results are excellent news for the electorate.

“On behalf of the community I acknowledge our local Police, Community Safety Patrols and Maori wardens for their hard work and continued commitment to keeping our communities safe,” Judith says.

“Across the country recorded offences were down by 5.2 per cent, with 21,802 fewer crimes in the fiscal year to 30 June 2012. The crime rate per head of population fell by 5.9 per cent.

“This is the lowest number of offences in any fiscal year since the late 80s, and the lowest crime rate per head of population since before electronic records were kept.

“These results show Police are well on their way to reaching our target of an overall reduction in crime

The hard work of the justice sector and justice sector agencies is starting to pay off.

Crime is at a 30 year low, prosecutions were down 10 per cent last year and the prison population is forecast to fall 7 per cent by 2020. These achievements to date not only affirm the Government’s focus on law and order, but also the hard work of everyone in the justice sector – Police, Courts and Corrections.

The first results against our (BPS) targets show the total violent crime rate fell by 7 per cent for the year to 30 June 2012. That’s almost 3,000 fewer crimes – and thousands fewer victims.

to minimise the harmful impact the court process has on children.

“That’s why we’re proposing mandatory participation in the successful Parenting through Separation course, establishing a new Family Dispute Resolution service, and introducing three new court ‘tracks’ for cases to follow to help people navigate the Court independently,” Judith says.

These reforms mark the first significant changes to the Family Court since it was established in 1981.

of 15 per cent by 2017, which will mean 45,000 fewer crimes in our communities every year from 2017.

“We must keep working closely with Police, local agencies, neighbourhood support teams and residents to make sure the zero-tolerance message continues to resonate in every home, school and workplace within our communities.”

The rate of homicide and related offences has dropped by 22 per cent, and the rate of serious assaults resulting in injury has dropped by 8 per cent.

New Zealanders deserve to be safe from all crime, but these categories need an especially strong focus because of their seriousness and the terrible impact they have on victims. The total reported crime rate has fallen almost 6 per cent (or 21,337 fewer crimes), youth crime by 4 per cent, and re-offending by nearly 6 per cent.

Results show we had around 1,000 fewer offenders coming back into the system this year, which is fantastic – if we can move people away from a life of crime, we’re making society safer and relieving the burden on the taxpayer.

Hon Judith Collins visits staff at Manukau District Court.

Hon Judith Collins with Detective Superintendent Mike Pannett, NZ Police and Deputy Commissioner Operations John

Bilich, New York Police Department.

Ms Collins welcomed Inspector Vitale Lafaele (VJ) to the district recently in his new role as Area Commander for Counties Manukau South. VJ joined the police force in 1985 after a career in the army, including at Papakura. During his time with police, VJ spent 15 years in the CIB – including ten years as a detective in the Waitakere CIB. VJ previously worked with Judith when she was Minister of Police.

MP for Papakura Hon Judith Collins with Inspector Vitale Lafaele and Papakura Electorate Agent Jan Robinson.

Hon Judith Collins with Sergeant Sonny Iosefo and members

of the Flat Bush Neighbourhood Policing team (Otara) at

the Ormiston Road Police Station, Counties Manukau.

(L-R) Police Commissioner Peter Marshall, Corrections Department Chief Executive Ray Smith, Deputy Chief Executive Crown Law Andrew Hampton, Ministry of Justice Deputy Chief Executive Sector Group Brook Barrington, Secretary for Justice Andrew Bridgeman, Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Police Hon Anne Tolley and Minister for Courts Hon Chester Borrows.

Communities will have more input in decisions about the number and location of liquor outlets through local alcohol polices (LAPs) and local authorities will be able to limit the sale of alcohol and set conditions on licences.

Local communities, like ours, need this Bill. We’re encouraging all political parties get behind the Alcohol Reform Bill so we can pass it into law as soon as possible.

Judith visited Adult Drug Courts in San Francisco and New York City recently to see how the United States’ justice sector and health agencies are working to combat offending fuelled by drug abuse.

“I was impressed with the practical assistance given and the messaging provided to offenders appearing,” Judith says.

“To see how some specialist US courts operate and how effective they are in dealing with addiction problems was very valuable.”

www.national.org.nzJudith Collins is working for Papakura

Eid ul Fitr at Parliament

Building links with China

MP launches new boat at Maraetai

More support for veterans

Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins hosted members of the Islamic community at Parliament to mark Eid ul Fitr, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Judith acknowledged the contribution the Muslim community makes to New Zealand, and our nation’s trading endeavours.

Earlier this year Judith Collins made her first official visit to China as Minister of Justice and Minister for Ethnic Affairs to discuss New Zealand’s growing relationship with China.

During the visit, Judith met with a number of political leaders and officials in Beijing, including host Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission Minister Yang Jing, and visited sites in Yunnan province in China’s southwest. It was the first time Yunnan had hosted a New Zealand Minister.

MP for Papakura Judith Collins joined the Coastguard Maraetai team at Maraetai Beach Boat Club to launch their new rescue vessel earlier this year.

The vessel is crewed when required, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a dedicated team of volunteers from the Counties Manukau area.

Judith thanked Coastguard Maraetai for their hard work and commitment

The Government is committed to sup-porting our veterans and acknowledges the tremendous sacrifices they have made for our country.

We’ve approved an additional $60 million for our veterans over the next five years and will introduce new legislation to modernise the War Pensions Act.

We’re increasing the War Disablement Pension and Surviving Spouse Pension rates by 5 per cent, beginning on 1 April 2013 (on top of the forecast CPI increase of 1.8 per cent), and increasing eligibility for support services such as home help and lawn mowing, which will benefit an estimated 3,000 additional veterans and 1,100 surviving spouses or partners.

This is a very significant and meaningful commitment in what are difficult financial times. We’re ensuring our services better meet the needs of elderly veterans as well as those involved in modern day and future deployments.

We’re implementing 132 of 170

“It was great to see existing commercial links between New Zealand and the province in practice and to consider possible areas for further development, particularly in horticulture,” Judith says.

“My visit helped deepen New Zealand’s dialogue on ethnic affairs issues in China and underlined the value we place on ensuring a well-integrated Chinese community in New Zealand.

recommendations from the Law Commission and we’ll be extending a range of support services to all veterans with qualifying service on the basis of need.

This includes the introduction of two coverage schemes, with the creation of ACC on 1 April 1974 being the point of division between the two schemes.

We’re also introducing a new Veterans’ Weekly Income Compensation payment for veterans under the age of retirement and unable to work, which will be paid at 80 per cent of the average wage (significantly higher than the current Veteran’s Pension rate), and establishes a veterans advisory board and specialist medical advisory board to provide the Minister with independent advice.

Work has begun on drafting the new Bill, which will be introduced into Parliament as soon as possible, and I encourage veterans to have their say during the Select Committee process.

“New Zealand’s Chinese communities make a significant contribution to our nation’s economy and they continue to enrich the lives of all New Zealanders through the sharing of Chinese arts, culture and traditions.

“My visit also provided an opportunity to register at senior levels that New Zealand remains ambitious about the future of our bilateral partnership.

“Despite differences in size, political and economic development, New Zealand enjoys a positive political relationship with China and this is going from strength to strength.

“I am very grateful for the warm hospitability I received from the Chinese people during my visit and I look forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China later this year.”

Hon Judith Collins with Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key, Dr Anwar Ghani, President of the

Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ and Asif Khoya, Administrative Director at FIANZ.

Hon Judith Collins with NZ Ambassador for China Carl Worker. Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Justice and Minister for Ethnic Affairs with Zhao Yang, Vice

Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council.

Hon Judith Collins with members of the Islamic community, Grand Hall, Parliament.

Hon Judith Collins with members of Coastguard Maraetai Inc.

Hon Judith Collins with (L-R) Cadet Lance Corporal Steven Armstrong, Cadet Lance Corporal

Shaun Paget, Cadet Corporal Antonino Motuliki, Second Lieutenant Scott Stapleton NZCF -

Papakura Cadet Unit Commander at the Papakura RSA.

Hon Judith Collins at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC, United States. The

Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans.

Hon Judith Collins lays a wreath on behalf of New Zealand at the Vietnam War Memorial in

Washington DC, pictured with Mr Jan Scruggs, Founder.

to making sure boaties stay safe as they enjoy the water, beaches and parks in and around the Hauraki Gulf.

The Coastguard services the Auckland Inshore area which is the Hauraki Gulf and Firth of Thames and is accessed by public boat ramps at Pine Harbour, Beachlands, Omana, Maraetai, Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point, Kaiaua, Coromandel Peninsular plus Waiheke Island and Coromandel.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Local MP congratulates staff on surgery success

Dental clinic and new classrooms

New ECE places in Papakura

Waiting times down under National

Papakura MP Judith Collins has congratulated Counties Manukau District Health Board staff for their excellent achievement in elective surgery.

On behalf of Health Minister Tony Ryall, Judith presented staff at the CMDHB with a certificate recognising ‘outstanding performance’.

“This is a remarkable achievement. I congratulate CMDHB staff for their strong focus and commitment to improving frontline service for patients,” Judith said.

Last year Counties Manukau had 245 patients waiting longer than six months for either a specialist’s appointment to assess whether or not they needed treatment, or for the operation itself. This year no-one waited longer than six months.

“These improvements are very good news for patients – prompter treatment improves recovery and gets patients back to normal life sooner,” Judith said.

“I’d like to thank our theatre teams and staff for their hard work and dedication to improving health services for the people of Counties Manukau.”

Nationally, 17 out of 20 DHBs have reduced their waiting times to zero patients waiting over six months for surgical appointments.

Judith also congratulated CMDHB for exceeding its elective surgery targets. The DHB performed 590 more operations compared to last year.

Earlier this year, Judith Collins opened a new community dental clinic and new classroom block at Papakura South Primary School.

“I’d like to acknowledge the Counties Manukau District Health Board, Papakura South School Principal Shaun Stevenson and the Board of Trustees and the new Principal George Ihimaera for their support of the dental clinic project,” Judith says.

MP for Papakura Judith Collins is delighted at the number of new ECE places created in the last 12 months. This includes 80 new places at Kids Count, Marne Road; 50 new places at Blossoms Educare in Papakua East and 50 at the YMCA early learning centre at Mansell Senior School.

Despite difficult financial conditions, investing in better frontline health services is a priority. Over four years, we will commit almost $1.5 billion extra to our public health service. This will help deliver more operations and shorter waiting times.

“The new clinic will provide dental care to around 4,000 children aged from birth to 13 years, including about 1,000 Preschool children from the Papakura and Drury areas.”

The Papakura South facility joins new dental clinics recently opened at Papakura Normal School and Cosgrove School as part of a national project aimed at improving the oral health of all young New Zealanders.

FAMiLiEs suCCEssEsNational worked hard to take the sharp edges off the recession for Kiwi families. On top of our large welfare support programmes, we will invest more than $4.5 billion this financial year a cross a range of family support programmes – up from $3.7 billion in 2008.

for Early Childhood Education (a 40 per cent increase).

for the Working for Families family tax credit.

for the orphan’s benefit and unsupported child’s benefit.

for the in work tax credit.

for the child disability allowance.

for zero doctors’ fees for under-sixes.

to maintain paid parental leave entitlements at 14 weeks.

for Well Child with Plunket and fully-funding PlunketLine 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

$1.4b$2.1b$570m$116m

$156m

$88m$47m$22m

www.national.org.nz

Hon Judith Collins congratulates Dr John Kenealy, HoD and Consultant of Plastics and Dr Wilbur

Farmilo, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Clinical Director Surgical and Ambulatory Care.

Hon Judith Collins visits Papakura North Kindergarten with (L-R) Adeana Shrimpton, Paula

Baird, Penny Garland and pupils Stephen Toby, Elia Webb and Custom Rewita.

Hon Judith Collins visits Middlemore Hospital’s operating theatres with Gillian Cossey, General

Manager Surgical Services, Jenni Coles, Director Hospital Services and Dr Wilbur Farmilo.

Hon Judith Collins opens four new classrooms at Papakura South School.

Hon Judith Collins takes a seat in the dental chair at Papakura South School’s new dental clinic.

Pictured with Christine McKay, Portfolio Manager - Oral Health, Counties Manukau District

Health Board (left) and Lynette Wilkie Dental Manager CMDHB.

www.national.org.nzJudith Collins is working for Papakura

success for local league players

MP turns first sod for new sports centre

How to contact Hon Judith Collins

Judith Collins enjoyed cheering on Papakura High School at the 2012 New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Nationals at Bruce Pulman Park.

Judith says it was great to see students, staff, families and friends turn out to support the Papakura players – runners-up in the developing schools section of the tournament.

“I’d like to congratulate the Papakura team, particularly Patrick Mailata (MVP), Arthur Crichton, Jazz Tevaga and Chris Smithson who have received offers to play rugby league in Australia. Arthur was also named the most promising young player in the whole New Zealand Rugby League Championship.”

MP for Papakura Judith Collins was invited to turn the first sod for Papakura’s new Indoor Courts Centre at Bruce Pulman Park.

Judith says the new complex will be a valuable asset for our community and for local and visiting netball, basketball and volleyball teams.

“I acknowledge the former Papakura District Council, former Mayor and current Auckland City councillor Calum Penrose, ASB Community Trust, Lotteries Grant Board and Bruce Pulman Park Trustees for their hard work and support for the new centre.”

Papakura MP Judith Collins is available to assist Papakura electorate residents. Judith’s electorate office contact details are as follows:

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Judith Collins MP, Roselands Shopping Ctr, 98 Great South Road, Papakura

Roselands Shopping Centre, 98 Great South Road, Papakura | Phone: 09 299 7426 | Email: office@judithcollins.co.nz

www.judithcollins.co.nz @JudithCollinsMP Find me on Facebook

ELECtORatE OFFiCE OF HON JuditH COLLiNs MP

Hon Judith Collins keeps score at the New Zealand

Secondary School Rugby League Nationals, Bruce Pulman

Park.

Hon Judith Collins congratulates Patrick Mailata from

Papakura High School, Most Valuable Player of the game.

Hon Judith Collins with Jenny Herring (chairman), Bruce Pulman, George

Wilson (deputy chair) and Noeline Hodgins from Bruce Pulman Park

Charitable Trust.

Hon Judith Collins enjoyed operating the digger to turn the first sod

for the new Indoor Courts Centre at Bruce Pulman Park.