I thank our local board members, councillors, police, Safer Papakura Trust, Maori wardens, school leadership teams and the local volunteers for the contribution they make to ensuring New Zealand remains the best little country in the world.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to meeting many more of you over the coming months.

Hon Judith Collins MP for PaPakura

www.national.org.nz

Collins’ Courier

New Zealand – Best Little Country in the World

Information from

JUNE 2013 Inside this issue:

St Mary’s Gala Page 2

What I enjoy most about being your MP is meeting so many of you in the electorate, around New Zealand and around the world.

Earlier this year I travelled to Europe and was delighted to meet a Papakura constituent working for the Ministry of foreign affairs in Vienna! It’s great to catch up with you all and keep an ear to the ground on the issues that really matter to you and your families.

Time really flies when you’re having fun. as we head into July, and into winter, it’s a good time to look back on the past six months at what we’ve achieved and where we’re going. and the Government has made excellent progress across all portfolio areas.

our economy grew three per cent last year – around the same rate as australia and better than most other developed countries.

at the end of february, the accident Compensation Corporation’s (aCC) investment returns alone were up more than $1 billion, allowing the Government to announce $300 million worth of levy cuts for taxpayers for 2014/15.

Wages are also on the rise and around 50,000 more jobs have been created in the past two years and unemployment figures are tracking down.

Crime rate continues to fall Page 3

Ethnic Community Page 4

New-look Hospice Page 6

Judith Collins MP for PaPakura

Lead justice sector agencies – police, corrections and courts – continue to work collaboratively together to deliver fantastic results.

We’ve achieved the lowest crime rate in thirty years, put 600 extra officers on the frontline and New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

Judith Collins MP pays tribute to our fallen World War one soldiers at Polygon Wood cemetery at Passchendaele, Belgium.

Looking forward, the Government will continue to build momentum across our key priorities for this term – responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more competitive and productive economy, delivering better public services and supporting the rebuilding of Christchurch.

as a result, all New Zealanders can look forward with well-deserved confidence and optimism.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Digital learning breakfastEarlier this year Judith Collins MP enjoyed hosting education expert and businesswoman Dame Wendy Pye for a business breakfast in Papakura. Dame Wendy is currently working on projects to focus on bringing digital learning to the developing world.

Her programme “Innovations from New Zealand” brings mobile phones into the classroom – in places like India, Pakistan and Iran. Promoting English as a second language also gives huge opportunity for growth in asian countries like korea and Vietnam where they are, as Dame Wendy said, “highly techno”.

In Vietnam, Wendy Pye Group has set up digital schools called Smart 3 Learning Centres where children come to use touch screen technology. Parents can also log on at home and see how their children are performing and learning using a digitised alphabet with stories, tests and animation.

“We need to show New Zealand is a leader in this great innovation,” Dame Wendy said. Judith Collins MP welcomes Dame Wendy Pye (left) to Papakura, with Mrs Chris king of alfriston.

Judith Collins MP attended the annual gala at St Mary’s Primary School recently.

“It was a fantastic day out – there was something for everyone and I even purchased some fresh veges for dinner,” Ms Collins said.

“I congratulate Principal David Tennent, staff, the gala committee, parents and the St Mary’s school community for their hard work in organising another successful event.”

St Mary’s Gala

Judith Collins MP purchases potatoes from Diane Monnery.Judith Collins MP chats with St Mary’s School

Board of Trustees Chairman Martin Devoy.

Judith Collins MP enjoys a visit from constituent Stan Hansen at her

Papakura electorate office.

A remarkable pioneering family in PapakuraStan Hansen visited Judith Collins MP recently to present her with a beautiful book documenting his family’s long history in New Zealand and distinguished service in both World Wars.

Thomas Hansen and his sister Hannah king were New Zealand’s first settlers to arrive in the Bay of Islands in December 1814 on a ship owned by reverend Samuel Marsden.

Thomas and Hannah’s two families eventually had twenty three children and all of them lived at oihi, the first mission station.

one hundred years later, many young Hansen men served in World War one and sadly fourteen of them were killed serving New Zealand. Two of the surviving men received the Military Medal for bravery in the field.

By 1914 some of the descendants of Hannah king had moved to Waiuku, another area of early European settlement.

“It’s important we remember that Papakura is a very old district with a long military history that goes back to the Land Wars. Papakura still has a strong military presence with the NZ army and the SaS based here,” says Ms Collins.

“It’s also interesting to note that ardmore airport, one of the busiest in the country, is a training ground for many military flyers as well as being the home of the Warbirds.”

as 2014 approaches so does the bicentenary of the Hansens – a remarkable pioneering family who took active part in the Land Wars in the Bay of Plenty, the South african War and both World Wars with distinction.

www.national.org.nz

Crime rate continues to fall

Judith Collins MP welcomes Inspector Jim Searle to Papakura in his new position as area Commander for Counties Manukau

South. Inspector Searle was previously area Commander for Counties Manukau

at the ormiston Police Station.

Better Public Services targets on track

one of the Government’s priorities is delivering better public services and recent conviction and sentencing statistics show our focus on this priority is making a difference.

under National, the number of people being charged in court has fallen more than 20 per cent since 2009.

In 2012, 98,783 people appeared in court, down 7 per cent from 2011, and 22 per cent from 2009.

The number of people charged with a violent offence dropped 17 per cent over the past four years.

Ms Collins says these figures confirm what we already know – that crime is falling and New Zealand is becoming a safer place to live.

The latest justice sector Better Public Services (BPS) target results to December 2012 show total crime is down 9 per cent nationwide (down from 983 to 891 crimes per 10,000 people) and violent crime is down 7 per cent (down from 109 to 102 crimes per 10,000 people).

Youth crime is down 14 per cent (down from 332 to 286 per 10,000 young people) and re-offending is down by 8 per cent.

“I am thrilled these latest results show the justice sector is on track to meet all its BPS targets by 2017. The sector has already exceeded its youth crime target 4 years early,” Ms Collins says. “our results show how well the entire justice sector is working together to deliver a safer New Zealand. I thank the Ministry of Justice, Police, and Corrections for their excellent work.

Judith Collins MP with Detective Constable Paul Bimler at the

St Mary’s School Gala.

“The results show that this Government’s strong commitment to making our communities safer is working. “The reversing trend in violent offences is particularly pleasing because violent offences are responsible for the most harm in our communities.”

The rate of children and young people being charged in court is down 40 per cent since 2007, and the number of children and young people convicted in an adult court for serious offences has dropped from 500 to 199 in the past five years.

“fewer children and young people coming before our courts is an encouraging sign. We know that a key to reducing crime is to stop young people entering the court and justice system in the first place,” Ms Collins says.

“fewer people are being affected by serious and violent crime, and fewer criminals are going on to reoffend. This is what delivering better public services for New Zealanders is all about.” BPS targets for the justice sector are to reduce the total recorded crime rate by 15 per cent, the recorded violent crime rate by 20 per cent, the youth crime rate by 5 per cent and the reoffending rate by 25 per cent by 2017.

Ella to walk in MP’s shoesIn July aCG Strathallan student Ella Palsenbarg will travel to Wellington to represent Papakura as Judith Collins’ Youth MP.

Ella is one of 121 Youth MPs, from across New Zealand, selected to attend Parliament to learn about the government decision-making process and share young people’s views with the country’s decision makers.

“I congratulate Ella on her outstanding essay submission and selection for Youth Parliament 2013,” Ms Collins said.

Judith Collins MP congratulates aCG Strathallan student Ella Palsenbarg on her

selection to Youth Parliament 2013, pictured with aCG Strathallan Principal Mr robin

kirkham and teacher Sophia Grobler.

Ella will have the unique opportunity to step into Ms Collins’ shoes for two days while the Youth MPs debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask questions of Cabinet Ministers.

This year’s Youth Parliament 2013 mock Bill will focus on electoral reform and Youth MPs will debate the merits of reducing the voting age from 18 to 17 years, electronic voting, compulsory voting and extending the Term of Parliament from three to four years.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Ethnic women encouraged to put their hands upHon Judith Collins spoke to the Indian Central association (NZICa) Women’s Conference in rotorua recently.

“The association is an excellent example of women coming together to network, share experiences and support each other to achieve their goals,” Ms Collins says.

“I was hugely impressed by the talent, enthusiasm and potential of the NZICa members. By working together they are helping each other remove barriers to ensure their voices are heard not just in the Indian communities, but across all of New Zealand.

Ms Collins invites all ethnic women to contribute to New Zealand by putting their hand up to have a say about how we all, as kiwis, live our lives.

“I know that you have a lot to offer our country and I would like to see more of you, regardless of age, ethnicity or cultural background – getting involved and contributing to the decision-making process.”

The office of Ethnic affairs’ Nominations Service gives ethnic kiwis the opportunity to be put forward for appointment on more than 400 state sector boards, committees and advisory groups. The positions are an excellent opportunity to contribute to the prosperity and strength of New Zealand’s economy and communities.

“our nation has a proud history of women standing up and contributing – women are leaders in our homes, in our communities, in our businesses and in government,” Ms Collins says.

Chinese New Year celebrated at Parliament

“By being involved at the local and personal level, you are walking on the stepping stones that will take you to leadership roles in the wider New Zealand community and in turn, paving the way for your children and grandchildren to follow.”

Hon Judith Collins with members of the Indian Central association at their annual women’s conference.

Hon Judith Collins and Melissa Lee MP Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic

affairs, welcome the Chinese New Year Dragon to Parliament.Chinese ambassador Xu Jianguo presents Judith Collins with a Chinese New Year gift.

Hon Judith Collins enjoyed hosting members of the Chinese community at Parliament earlier this year to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“Chinese New Year is a wonderful opportunity for people from all walks of life to gather together to appreciate and celebrate the different communities that call New Zealand home,” Ms Collins said.

“This year marks the Year of the Water Snake – a year of motivation, insight and new ideas.

“New Zealand’s Chinese communities have made, and continue to make, substantial contributions to New Zealand through their entrepreneurial spirit, innovative ways of thinking and sharing of Chinese arts, cuisine and culture.

“We know the knowledge, skills and experiences of all our ethnic communities can make New Zealand more resilient, more prosperous and a better place to live.”

www.national.org.nz

Promoting positive race relationsEarlier this year I was privileged to visit Geneva, London and Vienna to meet with my political counterparts, united Nations officials and members of the united kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service.

In Geneva I presented New Zealand’s report to the united Nations’ Committee for the Elimination of racial Discrimination (CErD). We discussed some of the contemporary challenges New Zealand faces around ethnic equality in health, education, employment and criminal justice and the practical steps the Government is taking to meet these challenges.

our report was well-received and the Committee was pleased to hear about the positive work taking place to harness the potential of our diverse communities and make sure all ethnic kiwis are given a fair go.

In Vienna I spoke to the united Nations’ alliance of Civilisations. The alliance aims to improve understanding and cooperation among nations, peoples and across cultures and religions. Hon Judith Collins stands next to the Liebenberg

monument outside The university of Vienna in austria.

ANZAC Day Ballot 2015Two thousand passes are available for New Zealanders to attend anzac Day 2015 in Gallipoli to mark 100 years since kiwis and aussies landed on the Gallipoli peninsula, 25th of april 1915.

• 1500 places will go to the general ballot that is available to all New Zealanders

• 200 places will be reserved for the ballot restricted to direct descendants of Gallipoli veterans

• 200 places will be held for veterans of other wars

• 100 passes set aside for special groups such as youth representatives and children of Gallipoli veterans

The Gallipoli campaign played a significant part in the evolution of our nation, and anzac Day holds a special place in New Zealanders’ hearts. This is a great opportunity for kiwis young and old to make history.

applications for the ballot will open on 1 November this year, with results announced in april 2014. for more information see the Gallipoli2015 website: www.gallipoli2015.govt.nz

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.

Judith Collins MP with Darren Brady at

this year’s anzac Day service at the

Papakura Cenotaph.

It was great to see so many nations come together and support a global effort to bridge the divide between cultures. The members were interested to hear about how New Zealand is successfully building a more cohesive asia-Pacific region.

In London I was privileged to present Canterbury Earthquake Citations to members of the London Metropolitan Police Service who worked on the ground in Christchurch during the 2011 state of emergency.

on behalf of our Government, I acknowledged the recipients for their unwavering spirit and outstanding contribution to New Zealand during a time of great risk and uncertainty.

The members of the Metropolitan Police are experts in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and worked closely with New Zealand Police and DVI specialists on the harrowing task of identifying earthquake victims.

Judith Collins MP welcomes Papakura High School students to Parliament.Prime Minister John key visited the Papakura electorate recently.

Judith Collins is working for Papakura

Attitude Awards 2013 Nominations are still open for the 2013 attitude awards.

“The attitude awards are a chance for us to honour and be inspired by the determination, courage, and contribution that people living with disabilities make in our communities,” says Ms Collins.

“In 2011 swimmer Sophie Pascoe won the attitude Sport Performer of the Year award. She went on to win gold at the 2012 London Paralympics – it’s people like Sophie who challenge the way that we think about people with disabilities. They are inspiring role models for others who face similar circumstances”.

To nominate or for more information on the seven award categories see www.attitudeawards.org. Nominations close 3 July 2013.

New-look HospiceJudith Collins MP joined members of the Totara Hospice South auckland and hospice ambassadors to open the redevelopment of its facilities recently.

“The Hospice is an integral part of the health service provided to the people of Manukau, otahuhu and Papakura and the extra beds will help meet the future palliative care needs of the Counties-Manukau area,” Ms Collins said.

“I acknowledge alan Beal CE and the Totara Hospice South auckland Team for their leadership and hard work to make the redevelopment project a reality.”

Ms Collins acknowledged the Counties-Manukau District Health Board, Middlemore Hospital and the many organisations, individuals and volunteers for their generosity and support.

alan Beal CE Totara Hospice South auckland invites

Judith Collins MP to cut the ribbon on the new facilities.

Judith Collins MP with volunteers at Totara Hospice South auckland.

SiNCE NAtioNAL’S 2009 LAW CHANGE

$26 millionPRoCEEDS oF CRiME

SEIZED FROM CRIMINALS

Building a safer New Zealand

Crime is down

The lowest crime rate in 30 years

2008

2008

1011*

848*

*recorded crimes per 10,000 people

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

outdoor Pursuits Centre gives youth chance to shineThe High Wire Charitable Trust hosted Hon Judith Collins and Hon Chester Borrows at its outdoor Pursuits Centre on Dominion road recently.

The Centre was established to help young people referred to the Trust’s programmes by Corrections and Justice, Police and local schools.

The programmes encourage young people to put their energy into physical challenges like climbing, abseiling, military-style high ropes courses, camping and kayaking.

They can also go on to achieve in the classrooms provided by the Trust, and many achieve at NCEa level.

Ms Collins and Mr Borrows agree that the Centre provides an excellent opportunity for young people in Papakura to gain direction, new skills and qualifications. Hon Judith Collins and Hon Chester Borrows visit the High Wire Charitable Trust’s outdoor Pursuits Centre

in Papakura, with CEo David Hopkins.

It’s important to support older New Zealanders to be healthier and independent in their own homes or in aged care. Sadly, New Zealand faces an increase in dementia as people are living much longer – around 150,000 New Zealanders will have dementia by 2050.

Since 2008 we’ve increased the number of dementia beds across the country by 24 per cent and accelerated health and wellbeing assessments for older New Zealanders living in aged care facilities.

as part of Budget 2013, we’re putting an extra $70 million behind aged care and dementia services. This includes $20 million over four years for home support services to help people stay in their homes longer and $1.2 million over three years for dementia related training for health care workers.

Support for dementia New Zealand gets levy cutsThe Government recently announced $300 million of levy cuts for business and families.

“at the end of february 2013 aCC’s investment returns were $1.1 billion ahead of budget,” Ms Collins says.

“This is fantastic news and reflects the prudent management of the corporation particularly given its new leadership and the challenges it has been dealing with.

“aCC has managed to outperform investment industry benchmarks and has done so while tracking soundly towards its service and culture centred goals.

“The corporation has worked hard to regain the public’s trust and confidence and the benefits of aCC’s performance will be felt by all New Zealanders.

“I congratulate aCC as it continues to work superbly on its priority areas - investing in better quality outcomes, improving privacy, culture change, customer service, and importantly, injury prevention.”

Judith Collins MP has welcomed a new staff member to her Papakura electorate office. Claire Schoeller (right) will

join Electorate agent Jan robinson as a Community and Media agent at the roseland’s Shopping Centre office.

How to contact Hon Judith CollinsPapakura 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

www.national.org.nz

Domestic violence is not ok. unfortunately the reality is the number of domestic violence cases in New Zealand is still high.

The Government is committed to helping turn this around. We’re working hard to ensure our justice system is more responsive to victims – that it protects them, helps with their recovery and ultimately reduces the rates of domestic abuse.

We’ve made a commitment to reduce crime by 15 per cent over the next five years through our Better Public Services targets – already total crime is down 9 per cent and total violent crime is down 7 per cent.

The Ministry of Justice is working closely with Police, Corrections, the Ministry of Social Development and Child Youth and family to reduce the opportunities for crime, improve services for victims and help prevent repeat victimisation.

Standing up to domestic violenceas part of the Government’s family Court reform, we’re improving how the court responds to domestic violence. We’re proposing an increase to the maximum sentence for breaching a protection order from two to three years.

our proposals also recognise ‘economic abuse’ as a form of domestic violence and will make sure stopping domestic violence treatment programmes are tailored to suit individual needs.

The Government understands domestic abuse can have an immense cost to an individual, their family and to society and its impact can last for a long time after the crime has been committed.

and although we can’t make this pain go away, we can ensure that the victims of domestic abuse are offered the support they need and that they’re not tomorrow’s repeat victims.

But we can’t do it alone.

By continuing to work closely with local government, police, residents and organisations like White ribbon, we’re in a powerful position to create social change and ensure the anti-violence message resonates in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

Judith Collins MP with Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent

John Tims and Miss Samoa New Zealand Penina Maree Paeu at White ribbon Day

event in Manukau.

Hon Judith Collins with Chinese Consul General Madame Tan and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker at the foochow association annual Dinner in Christchurch.

Judith Collins MP at the V8 Supercars event in Pukekohe with Greg Murphy and Don Mann.