24 July 2012

Collins Comments

I was privileged to visit China recently as Minister for Justice and Minister for Ethnic Affairs to discuss New Zealand’s growing relationship with China with a range of Chinese Ministers and political leaders.

It was my first official visit to China and I am very grateful for the warm hospitability I received from the Chinese people during my stay.

Despite differences in size, political and economic development, New Zealand has a positive political relationship with China and this is going from strength to strength.

New Zealand’s Chinese communities make a significant contribution to our nation’s economy and they continue to enrich the lives of all New Zealanders through the sharing of Chinese arts, culture and traditions.

I look forward to marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries later this year.

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It was great to get back to the electorate this month to turn the first sod for Papakura’s new Indoor Courts Centre at Bruce Pulman Park – I particularly enjoyed operating the digger!

The new complex will be a valuable asset for our community and for local and visiting netball, basketball and volleyball teams.

I acknowledge the former Papakura District Council and former Mayor Calum Penrose, ASB Community Trust, Lotteries Grant Board and Bruce Pulman Park Trustees for their hard work and support for the new centre.

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I’m pleased to say $17 million of lottery funding has been set aside for regions throughout the country to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War, and also of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

The centenary will give us an opportunity to remember those who fought and served in all wars, conflicts and peace operations in the past one hundred years.

The first application for grants associated with the centenary can be made from August 2012 to the Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Committee.

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On behalf of the community, I’d like to welcome Inspector Vitale Lafaele (VJ) to the district in his new role as Area Commander for Counties Manukau South. VJ joined the police force in 1985 after a career in the army. During his time with police, VJ spent 15 years in the CIB – including ten years as a detective in the Waitakere CIB. He is the first area commander of Samoan decent in the Auckland area. Welcome VJ – it’s great to have you in Papakura.

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