Auckland, 17 May – Community leaders met with Hon’ Judith Collins (today morning) at her office in Papakura, to express their deep concern with regards to the growing violence in South Auckland. The leadership was unanimous in stating that police do an excellent job once they attend a crime incident but at this stage they were not happy with the delays in police reaching a crime scene. Minister was apprised of the low confidence level of the small businesses and requested for increasing the police numbers even if that meant additional recruitment.
The leaders stated that they would be running a petition for harsher penalties for lower age offenders – the ones who are leading the crime stats currently. While the minister…… acknowledged the issues at hand, she advised the attendees that further measures are being taken to get better handle of the situation. Calum Penrose shared the concerns and expressed his desire for a continued dialogue. Mr. Bakshi advised that the government is coming down heavy on the gangs – the root cause of many of these crimes.
The community leaders hailed the minister for her tough stances in the past and also requested that some laws be imposed to stop operation of dairies and liquor stores beyond 7 p.m and with minimal operation hours
on weekends. The community will be canvassing for a nationwide support to seek commensurate justice. A national meeting is being organized on 11th June 2016 in South Auckland (details follow)
Meeting was attended by: Hon’ Judith Collins (Minister of Corrections and Police), Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi (MP), Calum Penrose (Councilor), Prithipal Singh (Sr Community leader), Bhiku Bhana (President NZICA), Beant Singh & Mohanpal Singh (Community Leaders/ retailers), Jasbir Singh Dhillon (President Global Indians), Anita Badwal (Community Activist and business owner) and Veer Khar (President Manukau Indian Association)
Issued to press by Veer Khar (President, MIA) Mobil : 0221971916
(Manukau Indian Association)
