Collins Comments Dec 22

22 December 2011
It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to be your MP for Papakura in 2011.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of you and attend many extraordinary events in the Electorate and would like to thank you all for your warm hospitality and for your support.

New Zealand has faced many unexpected challenges in the past twelve months, but I am pleased to say that regardless of this, great progress has been made.

We saw a 7 percent drop in crime across the country and a fantastic 15 percent decrease in our Counties-Manukau South patch.

300 extra police have joined the frontline in Counties-Manukau. Both Pukekohe and Manurewa Police Stations were rebuilt and modernised to better serve the needs of our South Auckland community.

Also in Corrections, programmes aimed at raising prisoner qualifications and improving rehabilitation programs have reduced reoffending rates and encouraged people into work once they leave prison.

I'd like to acknowledge and thank all our community volunteers who have come on board to help send a clear message that crime has no place in our neighbourhoods.

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I'm honoured to have the privilege of rejoining cabinet as the Minister of Justice, Minister for ACC and Minister for Ethnic Affairs.

I'm looking forward to the new challenges these portfolios will bring and I am excited about working more closely with members of our ethnic communities.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank NZ Police, Corrections and Veterans’ Affairs staff for their dedication, enthusiasm and support during the past three years. It's been an absolute pleasure to work with such talented teams.

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As we look forward to celebrating Christmas this weekend, I encourage you to spare a thought for our Police and emergency services staff who will be working through the holiday season to protect us.

They do a terrific job, and I extend a special Christmas greeting to them and the hope that they stay safe and well.

My Papakura Electorate office will be closed from Friday 23rd December and will reopen on Monday 16 January.

During the break I'm looking forward to spending quality time with family and friends and recharging the batteries for the year ahead.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012.

Drive safely, and God bless.

Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

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