Hello Friend, 

1800 new police 

New Zealand First was proud this week to deliver on our Coalition Agreement commitment to add 1800 new police, and make an exciting funding announcement for alternatives to 1080.

On Thursday, Rt Hon Winston Peters attended Recruit Wing 332’s graduation, which brought the number of new police to 1800 since we entered government.

This milestone represents the continuation of New Zealand First's proud legacy of supporting our men and women in blue while in government.

In government in 1996, we increased police numbers by 500. In 2005, we increased police numbers by 1000. Now, we have delivered the largest expansion in frontline police numbers in over a century, and the largest police force in New Zealand history.

We recognise that the presence of police in our neighbourhoods and towns is one of the most powerful ways to deter crime and build safer communities.

1080 alternatives funded

$3.5m was also announced this week for trap and lures to reduce repeated 1080 drops. This was allocated from the $19.5m in PGF funding announced by Hon Shane Jones in February for 1080 alternatives.

An exciting new technology developed by Wellington-based company Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) will be supported through this funding. Deputy Leader Fletcher Tabuteau and Jenny Marcroft sat down for an interview with Phil from ZIP to learn about the technology, which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/NZFirst/videos/2670497183026214/