Burglary response times cut
Burglary response times have been cut in response to a government expectation that burglaries ought to be responded to within 24 hours. Nationwide it takes police on average seven hours 11 minutes to be dispatched to a burglary. The Police have responded to the government's tough on burglary policy and the results are now being seen. This government will not tolerate a low priority approach to policing burglary crimes. Police are now reporting a marked drop in the number of reported burglaries. A trend supported by the Insurance Council has publicly stated that current policing of burglary is having an effect on reducing reported burglary rates. The trend is positive for law abiding New Zealanders.
Cabinet responsibility reallocation announced
Parekura Horomia this week officially assumed responsibilities as Minister of Maori Affairs, following the signing of his ministerial warrant by the Governor General at Government House. Mr Horomia will be ranked twelfth within the Cabinet line-up. Minor reallocations of Cabinet responsibilities were also announced by the Prime Minister. Trevor Mallard becomes Minister for the America's Cup, a move that will ensure the best possible co-ordination across government agencies and the successful management of the event. George Hawkins has taken on the responsibilities of Associate Internal Affairs to assist Mark Burton, especially in relation to citizenship issues. Phillida Bunkle has swapped her Associate Women's Affairs role for a position as Associate Conservation minister. This reallocation will provide additional assistance for Sandra Lee and will fit well with Ms Bunkle's other environmental responsibilities.
Applications called for school study support centres
Primary schools and community groups in low decile areas have been invited to apply for funding for study support centres. The government announced in this year's Budget that it would spend $7.5 million over four years for study support centres based in primary and intermediate schools in low decile centres. The government hopes to establish about 150 centres throughout the country. Preference will be given to joint applications from community groups and schools, or to groups of schools that work co-operatively to meet community needs. This is an important aspect of the government's closing the gaps objective. It is important that children gain good study skills and habits before they reach secondary school. Many children's home circumstances do not support this for a range of reasons.
Cervical cancer inquiry extended
A three week extension to the panel conducting the Cervical Screening Inquiry in Gisborne was granted by the government this week. The extension will enable all witnesses to give evidence and for submissions to be heard. A great deal of evidence has already been presented to the inquiry panel which has sat for long periods and during weekends, but it would be impossible to hear all of the evidence in the time originally allocated. The panel will continue to sit next week to hear the remaining evidence and reconvene in September for a further two weeks to hear closing submissions. The final report is expected in December this year.
Panel to review future of native forests
The government this week announced that an independent panel is to review and make recommendations to the government on the future management of Timberlands West Coast's areas of native forest. The review will take a step towards implementing the government
