Key Notes: Making New Zealand a safer place

Making New Zealand a safer place

More Police foot patrols

It is important for all New Zealanders that they feel safe in their own homes. That is why National is focused on making New Zealand a safer place.

And our focus is delivering results.

We welcomed news this week that there has been a 155 per cent increase in Police foot patrols over the past two years.

There were over 104,000 foot patrols in 2013, a big increase from around 41,000 in 2011.

Increased foot patrols mean Police officers are more visible in the community and are on the beat in known 'hot spots' when there is a risk of crime taking place.

Frontline officers now use smartphones and tablets to access important information without having to drive back to the station, allowing them to spend an extra 30 minutes per shift out in the community.

This focus on frontline policing, combined with more police and reduced reoffending, is making New Zealand a safer place. Recorded crime has dropped 17.4 per cent over the past three years and National remains committed to building on this and making our communities even safer.

Broadband being rolled out to New Zealanders

I'm also excited about the progress we are making on rolling out ultra-fast broadband. It will transform New Zealand's future and make us one of the most connected countries in the world.

More than a quarter of the Government's ultra-fast broadband project has now been completed.

The rollout will deliver fibre to 75 per cent of homes and businesses, and will mean much faster internet in rural areas.

More than 363,000 end users can now connect to the UFB network, while over 179,000 rural homes and businesses have access to faster broadband.

Recognising inspirational teachers

We all remember a teacher who inspired us, and now we can thank those teachers for their great work and the impact they have on our lives. A new website,inspiredbyu.org.nz, has been launched, giving people the opportunity to recognise inspirational teachers.

I wrote to Rob Hughes, my economics teacher from Burnside High School, thanking him for inspiring me with his love and passion for economics.

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