Collins’ Comments: 1 May 2014

New boundaries confirmed:
The Papakura electorate boundaries are set to be adjusted for the 2014 election following Census 2013 figures showing Papakura, alongside other electorates, held a higher population than the maximum per electorate. The final boundaries are available here.

The Papakura Electorate will now include: Papakura, Takanini, Drury, Ardmore, part of rural Clevedon, Alfriston, The Gardens, Randwick Park, Wattle Downs, part of Brookby, Conifer Grove, Karaka, Kingseat, and the rural part of Redoubt Road. The areas new to the Papakura electorate were all previously part of the old Clevedon Electorate, for which I was MP between 2002 -2008.

While it’s sad the Papakura electorate loses Waiau Pa and Clarks Beach to Hunua, I’m pleased with the final changes overall which reflect Papakura’s strong sense of community spirit and history.

Crime continues to fall:
The latest Justice sector Better Public Services (BPS) results show the biggest quarterly step towards the Government’s targets of reducing crime.

A goal of reducing total crime by 15 per cent was set in June 2011 and already total crime has dropped 14 per cent, three years before the deadline. Youth crime has exceeded its target for a second time having fallen 27 per cent.

Violent crime is also down 10 per cent and overall re-offending has seen a drop of 11.7 per cent.

This is fantastic news for our communities. New Zealand now has the lowest crime rate since 1978 and New Zealanders are experiencing around 56,000 fewer crimes per year. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We need to continue to work on the causes of crime and focus our Justice sector resources on the areas where they are most needed to achieve enduring results for our most vulnerable.

Anzac Day:
It was an honour to address the crowds at both the Dawn and Civic services in Papakura for Anzac Day. Anzac Day is a time to reflect on those who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces. From Gallipoli to Afghanistan, we will remember.

Attendance at Anzac Day celebrations remains strong as we approach the centenary of the Gallipoli landings of 1915. The ballot for attendance passes to the Anzac Cove ceremony next year has been drawn and I congratulate those who have been awarded passes. I’m sure it will be a great honour to attend the centenary service.

Best wishes
Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

ENDS

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