Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Police Acknowledge Sentencing For Murder Of Bella Te Pania

Detective Senior Sergeant Nicola Reeves:

Today Police acknowledges the sentencing of the man who committed the callous and senseless murder of Bella Te Pania last year.

Bella was just 34 years old when her life was cut short.

I would like to thank the investigative team who worked tirelessly over the last year to ensure Bella’s killer was brought to justice.

But more importantly, our thoughts are with Bella's whānau and friends today as they come to terms with the decision.

It is my hope that this result may bring them some closure, but I know it does not bring Bella back or bring an end to the grief of losing her.

There is sometimes a perception in the community that sex workers won’t be missed, that they don’t deserve the same protections, or that Police will not put the same effort into solving crimes committed against them.

That perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

Bella was very much loved.

She was a daughter, a sister, a partner, a friend, and a mother to a little girl.

Her friends described her as loyal, loving, and always putting the needs of others before herself.

She, like all of us, deserved the opportunity to live a full, happy life.

Sex work is legitimate work done by real people who have the same rights as the rest of society.

Sex workers, like all New Zealanders, should be able to go to work and be safe from violence and harm.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.