05 April 2013
Less crime under National
Under National, we've achieved the lowest crime rate in over 30 years. The number of recorded offences is at the lowest level in 24 years, and crime is down 16.7 per cent over the past three years.
The latest crime statistics show an 8 per cent reduction in the crime rate in 2012. This is great news for Kiwi families and communities. The New
Zealand Police force does a fantastic job, and National has been working hard to ensure our police have the tools they
need to carry out their duties.
We've put 600 additional police officers on the beat. We've introduced tougher sentences, and stronger parole and bail
laws. We've given frontline police tasers. And we've made it legal for police to seize the proceeds of crime, and to
dismantle gang fortifications.
National is tough on crime and our police are doing a great job cracking down on criminals. Find out more here.
Visiting China
Later this evening, I'm flying out to China for an official visit to help grow our trade and business links. I'll also
take some time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the China New
Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
I'm taking a high-level business and cultural delegation with me, and while I'm away I'll be meeting with the new
President of China, Xi Jinping. I'll also be officially welcomed by China's new Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, and will
meet senior regional and city leaders in Guangzhou and Shanghai.
New Zealand is the only developed country in the world to have a comprehensive FTA with China. Since we signed this
agreement five years ago, New Zealand exports to China have more than tripled, and in the past year alone New Zealand
exports to China were up by 16.6 per cent on the previous year.
Keep an eye on my Facebook and Twitter pages, where I'll be posting photos from my trip. You can also watch one of my recent videos, where I talk about the importance of these trade missions for New Zealand.
In other news this week
Delivering results in health
It's not often that you hear about the good things this Government is doing for Kiwi families. That's why it's great to
see the fantastic results being achieved in our health system.
This year, more than 350,000 children aged under 6 are able to visit the doctor free of charge. 35,000 more people have been able to access important elective surgeries since 2008. There are 1000 extra doctors and 2000 more nurses working on the frontline under National. And 93 per cent of two-year olds are fully immunised, up from only 74 per cent when we came into office.
From my diary
Yesterday I went to Tauranga, and had a great day meeting with young professionals, as well as helping to open the newly
expanded Port of Tauranga wharf.
As I mentioned earlier, tonight I fly out for China, and I look forward to updating you on my trip when I get back to
New Zealand.
Regards,
John Key
Prime Minister
ENDS