Wednesday, 30th April 2008

MP calls for ban on Grand Theft Auto 4

Independent MP Gordon Copeland today confirmed that he would like to see the Grand Theft Auto 4 video game banned in New Zealand.

"Sadly New Zealand has become a violent society," said Mr Copeland.

"Our criminal courts are almost log jammed with cases involving murder, manslaughter, rape, and other heinous crimes. Our jails are overflowing."

"A recent study has indicated that, on a per capita basis, New Zealand is now twice as violent as the USA."

As David Rossman, one of the world's foremost experts in the field of violent crime, has said "These (video games) are actually killing simulators and they teach... to kill in much the same way the astronauts on Apollo 11 learned how to fly to the moon."

"Simply stated, it is time to reverse the tide of violence in New Zealand. We have to have the courage somewhere, sometime, to say "no" and I agree with kiwi parents and the police, that this is not a bad place to start."

ENDS

Super-Wards: Commission Proposes New Boundaries For Auckland

The Local Government Commission presented its proposals on the boundaries and representation arrangements for the new Auckland Council today.

Under the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, the Commission is required to determine boundaries for the new Auckland Council, wards and local boards, ward and board names and the number of members per local board. More>>