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“Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.” - Nelson Mandela Dear John, I know that crime remains a major concern for our community and recent unsettling events, such as the stabbing on Birkenhead Avenue and the armed robbery in Birkenhead Village, have only reinforced the importance of ensuring our community remains safe. I want to acknowledge the distress these incidents have caused and reassure you that I have been working closely with the police to provide regular updates on social media as soon as they become available. Thank you to everyone who provided information to assist with police investigations.. Your vigilance and willingness to report suspicious activity play a crucial role in keeping our neighbourhood safe. The good news is that the offenders in both cases have been apprehended thanks to the dedicated work of our North Shore Police. It was their swift action and commitment to bringing offenders to justice which has made a real difference. When these individuals go through the justice system, they will face a tougher sentencing regime under the Sentencing Reform Bill which is set to become law. A big thank you to my National Party colleague, Minister of Justice Hon. Paul Goldsmith, for bringing this important Bill to Parliament. He rightly stated: “We are aware of the public's frustration that, all too often, penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the offending, and the harm inflicted upon the victim of that crime and their communities.” This new legislation will limit judges’ discretion to reduce sentences, capping it at 40% of the maximum punishment under the Crimes Act. This ensures that criminals feel the full consequences of their actions, reflecting the harm inflicted on the victims and wider community. Our commitment to restoring law and order is already making a difference. On the North Shore, we now have greater police resources and presence than before. This includes an increase in foot patrols, a new custody unit and additional policing staff. The reopening of the state-of-the-art Waitematā East District Custody Unit will support frontline police, reduce the time spent transporting detainees, and help officers return to the streets faster to continue their work in keeping our community safe.
We are already seeing a positive impact. Crime statistics indicate a decline in incidents across several areas of our community over the past year. While this is a positive trend, we know there is much more to do. I remain committed to working with our police, community groups and local businesses to ensure ongoing improvements to public safety. Please continue to report any concerns or suspicious activity to the police. Your engagement makes a real difference, and together we can create a safer, more secure community for everyone. Coming Soon: I will be organising a public meeting with Police Minister Mark Mitchell—stay tuned for details. This is your chance to ask questions and be heard.
Community NewsOnewa Road Improvements – Have Your Say! Since first becoming your MP in 2018, I have strongly advocated for changes on Onewa Road to ease congestion. In 2019, I led a 4,000-strong petition urging Auckland Transport (AT) to trial new solutions. Thanks to strong support from our community and the Kaipātiki Local Board, AT is now moving forward with one of the proposed solutions; permanent no parking on Onewa Road. This is an important step forward and it’s vital that you have your say during AT’s consultation period:
Community feedback has played a key role in getting us to this stage and now we have another opportunity to shape the final outcome. I encourage you to take part in the consultation when it opens and I will share the link as soon as it becomes available! Biosecurity Alert in Birkdale A single male Oriental fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in a suburban backyard in Birkdale. These pests would significantly impact our domestic fruit production and export market potential. A controlled area is in place in Birkdale which restricts the movement of fruits and vegetables. If you live in Birkdale, please check the guidelines and follow restrictions to help protect our horticulture industry: Oriental fruit fly, Birkdale | NZ Government. Thanks to the good people from MPI for all their efforts. Becoming a JP - we need you! We need more people to put their hand up to serve our community. For more information on becoming a JP visit Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Associations or you can also drop by my office in Birkenhead Village to grab a nomination form. Survey Results: "You Said, I Listened" Thank you to everyone who took part in our resident survey last year. I have read through all your comments and have appreciated reading a wide range of perspectives. Your insights are invaluable in helping me prioritise key issues for our community that are important to you. The key themes that emerged include: #1 Crime “Local Crime. Seeing Beach Haven in the news quite regularly is concerning. Noticing daily security guards at Birkenhead Leisure Centre, very concerning” – Debby “I am concerned about the aggressive youth in the community. The mall is no longer pleasant. Bus stop can be frightening” - Liz #2 Health “The waiting time in the emergency department of the hospital is too long.” - Giorgi “Health, but can see to myself. I don't expect council and government to fend for me but GP visit $80 per visit extortion.” - Abigail #3 The Cost of Living / Economy “Reduce cost of living. Control local government spending.” - David “Help the economy grow so we all can prosper.” - Graeme I will be conducting another survey again this year to ensure I continue to hear directly from you. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts.
Upcoming Events - Get Involved!North Shore Holi Festival - Saturday 8 March 11am - 6pm 📍 Hato Pētera, 88 College Road, Northcote North Shore’s first ever Holi Festival – a FREE community event filled with colours, culture, music and dance.
Movies in the Parks - Friday 14 March 6pm-10pm 📍 Greenslade Reserve, Greenslade Crescent, Northcote Pack a picnic or grab a bite from one of the food trucks and enjoy the pre-movie entertainment. Then settle in to watch Moana 2 – FREE to attend no tickets required Movies in Parks: Moana 2 - OurAuckland
Upper Waitemata Coastal Clean-up - Saturday 15 March from 1pm - 3.30 pm 📍 Ranch Ave, Beach Haven Be part of the solution – join us to remove rubbish from the Upper Waitematā Harbour on this day of action. There are numerous locations to volunteer around the Upper Harbour including Ranch Ave in Beach Haven. Register here - Coastal Clean Up
📍 Shepherds Park, Beach Haven 1km or 5 km options - This FREE event is always popular with the local community and a great way to celebrate our amazing coastal tracks. No need to pre-register. Just turn up on the day by 10am for a 10.30am start. Beach Haven Fun Run | Facebook
Beach Haven Block Party - Friday 28 March 4pm - 6.30pm 📍 Ōpaketai Gardens, 366 Rangatira Road, Beach Haven Cultural Performances, kai, kids activities and a chance to meet your community.
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Dan Bidois MP for Northcote
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 41 Pipitea Street Authorised by Dan Bidois, Parliament Buildings, Wellington |
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