More police and tough laws provide safer communities

Earlier this month I joined Police Minister Hon Judith Collins at the Westfield Mall in Manukau to launch the police recruitment kiosk inside the mall.

It is a very smart to have the kiosk to be situated in the mall where there is a high volume of foot traffic and it is easily accessible for potential recruits.

Many will remember that it was in the car park of the same mall that south Auckland mother Joanne Wang was fatally run over by a car after having her bag snatched.

This horrible incident was devastating for Ms Wang's family and the Manukau community. Her violent death combined with other horrific fatal incidents involving Navtej Singh and Madam Yang causing a real sense of fear and anger in the south Auckland community.

Our Prime Minister Hon John Key met with Asian community representatives at the time and promised the delivery of 600 additional police officers - 300 of which would be assigned to Manukau - and to put in tougher laws.

This police recruitment kiosk in the same mall where Mrs Wang so senselessly and violently lost her life showed that the south Auckland mother and the other victims didn't die in vain.

The presence of the police recruitment kiosk has alsolessened the sense of fear felt by so many in south Auckland after Ms Wang's death and other violent incidents.

During last year's election, many from within our ethnic communities expressed concern at the rising level of violence on the streets of New Zealand. The National-led Government has responded to these concerns by getting tough on crime.

The 2009 Budget has put into practice additional police funding to fulfil our election promise of boosting the New Zealand police force with 600 new officers.

The police are currently in the midst of a recruiting programme to fill these positions and in the meantime the National-led Government has also introduced a number of law changes to ensure New Zealand streets are kept safe.

We have introduced laws that make it tougher for offenders of violent crimes to get bail - including removing the right of parole for repeat violent offenders sentenced to more than five years.

We have also introduced legislation that make it tough for gangs to operate, including a ban on gang patches, laws to protect victims of domestic violence and legislation to deal with the increasing boy racer problem.

These were all part of our promise to get tougher on crime, and the National-led Government is committed to ensuring that the streets of New Zealand remain safe.

We are well aware of the impact that crime has on our country, particular within New Zealand's vast and vibrant ethnic communities and the additional police alongside the tough new legislation will bring with them a clear signal that it is time to get serious about crime.

Every member of every community in New Zealand has the right to feel safe on the streets and in their own homes.