25 February 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Progressive praises Ngawha commitment to cut re-offending

Progressive MP Matt Robson, in the Far North today at the handover ceremony of the Northland Regional Prison at Ngawha, is full of praise for the local community's leadership and commitment to early intervention and rehabilitation.

"I am absolutely blown away by the leadership that is being shown by this entire community to getting involved to help reverse negative patterns of behaviour.

"There is 100% commitment up here to trying to reduce re-offending. The new prison is going to be a prison that works hard with its community to reverse negative patterns of behaviour and it is fantastic.

"The enthusiasm of the community and the Public Prison Service in working side-by-side is absolutely vital to delivering a safer community. It is an integral component of the Labour-Progressive's government's multifaceted approach to promoting safer communities.

"Our government has shown that we are prepared to make the investment in new prisons as required, to reverse the investment deficit of the 1980s and 1990s.

"But this government also knows that the best anti-crime strategy is to increase government investment in early intervention and rehabilitation. That goes hand in hand with industry and regional development to propel work and life opportunities for New Zealanders," the Progressive MP said.

ENDS

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