An update from Hon Amy Adams
MP for Selwyn

Personal and household crime has reduced

The latest New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey (NZCASS) released earlier this month shows that personal and household crime has reduced by a third over five years.

NZCASS is New Zealand’s most comprehensive victimisation survey that gathers information on a range of personal and household offences such as assaults, sexual assaults, threats and burglaries.

The latest survey shows about 1.9 million of these crimes were committed in 2013, down from 2.7 million in 2008 – a reduction of 30 per cent. It also shows the large majority of New Zealanders (76 per cent) did not experience any of these crimes during 2013.

The survey shows a large proportion of crime was experienced by a smaller proportion of people in 2013, with 3 per cent of people experiencing 53 per cent of crime in 2013, compared to 6 per cent of people who experienced 52 per cent of crime in 2008.

The Government has placed a heavy focus on crime prevention and reduction, better supporting police and putting victims first and it’s encouraging to see this work is paying off. However there continue to be areas of society that experience disproportionate levels of crime and this will remain our focus.
Full results from the survey can be found here.

New ocean sanctuary created

Recently Prime Minister John Key announced the creation of a 620,000 square-kilometre ocean sanctuary in the Kermadec region. This area is home to whales, seabirds, dolphins, turtles, and many other species of marine life that aren’t found anywhere else.

Situated 1,000 kilometres northeast of New Zealand, halfway between the Bay of Plenty and Tonga, the Kermadecs contain the world’s longest underwater volcanic arc and the second-deepest ocean trench in the world.

The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will extend out to the 200 nautical mile limit of New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and will establish a fully-protected, “no take” zone where all mining, and all fishing is off limits.

This initiative reinforces New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable management of the marine environment and is part of the Government’s “Bluegreen” approach of balancing environmental protection with economic development.

Better access to addiction services for young people in need

More young people are getting faster access to specialist help for alcohol and drug problems so that they can continue their education and develop the skills they need to live healthy, productive lives.

The latest data from district health boards shows 85 per cent of youth were seen within three weeks of contacting a youth alcohol and drug service, which represents a 12 per cent increase compared to 2012. This result exceeds the target of 80 per cent.

The data also shows 94 per cent of young people were treated in between three to eight weeks, which represents a 6 per cent increase compared to 2012. These improvements are a credit to the efforts of health professionals across the country.

More funding for conservation efforts

Conservation groups across the country will receive a $2.13 million funding boost to continue their fight against introduced predators.
Native birds like the kakapo, kokako, and kiwi are constantly under threat from wild rat, stoat, and possum populations.

The Community Conservation Partnerships Fund will help over 30 groups throughout New Zealand to continue their vital contribution to our natural environment and the wellbeing of our native bird species.

A fight against the pest population will not only benefit the environment but the economy as well, as it is estimated that pests cost the economy up to $3.3 billion a year.
Click here for more information on community pest control.

Out and about in Selwyn

Youth MP selection

On Monday 5th October six articulate young people from around Selwyn presented their views on a national and a local issue of importance to them to a panel of judges including myself, Speaker of the House and Selwyn resident Rt Hon David Carter, and Rolleston-based Police Sergeant Dan Harker. The Youth MP finalists also had to answer a question from each member of the judging panel.

All of the finalists spoke well but in the end only two could be selected to represent the young people of Selwyn at Youth Parliament in July next year. Those selected were Tim Marshall of Broadfield, to represent me as Selwyn Youth MP for 2016, and Lexi Sutherland of Kirwee, who was chosen to represent Rt Hon David Carter as the Youth Speaker of the House.

Well done Tim and Lexi!

Opening of new restaurant in Prebbleton

I was pleased to be invited to attend the opening of Veenuz Indian D’zire restaurant in Prebbleton in early October. Owners Davinder (Veenu) Kaur and Gurmeet (Gary) Singh have already established a successful takeaway business in Prebbleton and have taken the next step by opening a restaurant next door. It is great to see more dining options for the rapidly growing population of Prebbleton and the surrounding areas and I am sure the restaurant will be well-received by the local community.

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on all matters so be sure to contact me at selwyn.office@parliament.govt.nz or like my Facebook page and tell me what's on your mind.

Kind regards,
Hon Amy Adams
MP for Selwyn

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