Dear John,

Like me I am sure you will be dismayed by the attitude of our current government in regard to justice and law and order. There is no deterrent value in their policy of reducing prison numbers and quite obviously not enough police to respond to all the burglaries, ram-raids and general bad behaviour that is occurring at the moment across New Zealand.

In our electorate of Papakura much goes unreported but I was shocked to read that Papakura High School has been vandalised, robbed of thousands of dollars worth of Chrome notebooks and other technology. This was the worst of three burglaries that happened over the recent weekend. The second and third burglaries saw the school buildings violated as the thieves threw food around the technology department and attempted to steal the coffee machines. Video footage shows these people well covered up but wandering around confidently and leaving a trail of sickening destruction through the administration offices too. The police are doing their best to follow leads but are appealing for help from the public who can anonymously report anything they know about this or any other incident on the 105.police.govt.nz website.

Mental Health

Earlier this month the National Party announced its “Mental Health Innovation Fund” policy to help power up community organisations and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) so they can continue to support Kiwis in need.

For many years I have been very aware that too many New Zealanders are not getting the mental health support they need.

Our leader Christopher Luxon has announced a $20 million fund to help boost NGOs and support proven community providers of Mental Health Services to scale up and reach more Kiwis in need.

In our electorate of Papakura, there are many organisations offering help on many levels and for different purposes like Ember, Great Potentials, Papakura Marae, Strive, Drive Direction, Well Woman Franklin and many more. These community organisations can offer clients immediate help and National would like to support their efforts. 

Across New Zealand, National would like to invest in frontline services up to an agreed amount, so that agencies can increase the number of Kiwis they are able to help. 

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, there is growing concern among mental health professionals that things are only going to get worse as financial pressures build on Kiwi families. We need greater urgency when it comes to Mental Health.

A while ago I called the Government out on their failure to deliver any improvements to the mental health sector despite promising $1.9 million would be invested in services.

Right now there are an increasing number of people reporting they are unable to get the professional help they need. This has increased by 80 per cent compared to when Labour took office five years ago. National wants to fix the situation by using organisations that just need support from the Government to extend their already existing community services. Delivering the services local communities need is fundamental to helping people with mental health issues.

Relief for Constituents in Ararimu

I was pleased to receive a notification last week that a RMA application by the Department of Corrections seeking an existing use certificate at 324 Ararimu Road has been abandoned.

Corrections advised they took into account a range of factors and have decided not to pursue any further RMA process for this property.

Their original proposal was for a residentially based reintegration programme for up to five men who have recently been released from prison or serving community sentences.

There were many objections received from the surrounding community who made a lot of effort to engage with Corrections on this matter at several public meetings that my Electorate Agent attended on my behalf. We then made enquiries to the Council and other relevant parties.

It is great to see the consultation system working and sense prevailing especially in decisions by the new Auckland Council.

Coronation of King Charles III, our Sovereign and Head of State

This weekend I am sure many of you will be watching the historic coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It is bound to be a wonderful event and I hope you will be celebrating as we join with millions to watch the ceremony and to wish the new King, our Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth and his Queen very well, and long to reign over us.

God save the King!

Best wishes,
Judith