27th November 2019

The Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) has congratulated the National Party on their recent release of Justice system proposals.

SST’s National Spokesperson Jess McVicar said it is a relief to hear there will be a focus on Victims of crime, as they are currently sidelined in the Justice System.

“Our system as it is currently, fails to involve Victims and doesn’t uphold a lot of their rights that they are entitled to.”

Jess said Victims just want to know how to keep themselves and their families safe.

“It’s not too much to ask that the few rights victims do have are acknowledged, especially when you recognise the horrendous journey they are put through when they unwillingly become victims of serious violent crime."

“We just want New Zealand to be a safe country again and for Victims to receive the respect they are entitled to; for them to have a voice.”

Jess said Victims have been ignored and sidelined by the current governments Justice reforms, and believe they have failed the victims hugely.

https://victimissues.wordpress.com/2019/11/26/national-partys-proposed-justice-reforms/

ends

© Scoop Media

PM's Statement: Deadly Eruption Of Whakaari / White Island

At this stage, we can confirm that amongst those currently listed as missing or injured are New Zealanders who were part of the tour operation, and tourists from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. That is to the best of our knowledge.

To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief at this moment in time, and in your sorrow. Your loved ones stood alongside kiwis who were hosting you here. We grieve with you, and we grieve with them... More>>

• Ministry For Culture And Heritage - Flag half-masting directive - Whakaari White Island eruption

Police Update: Two Further Fatalities
Two further people have died following the eruption on Whakaari / White Island, bringing the official toll to eight. One was being treated at Middlemore Hospital and one at Waikato Hospital. More>>

• NZ Police - UPDATE: Whakaari / White Island volcanic eruption 11/12/19 morning - Whakaari / White Island identification and coronial process - Work continues to launch recovery efforts 11/12/19 - Sixth fatality following Whakaari / White Island eruption - Work continues on recovery - Work continues to enable recovery - Eight people unaccounted for
• GNS Science - Calculations show “medium likelihood” of Whakaari eruption
• WorkSafe NZ - WorkSafe investigating White Island work activity
• Te Runanga o Ngati Awa - Ngāti Awa Rāhui

Gordon Campbell: On The Eruption And Tourism Safety
Adventure tourism is a central theme in New Zealand tourism, and by definition, adventure always includes a certain level of risk. That said, New Zealand itself is also at risk of being seen as a tourism destination where commercial factors – rather than safety factors – are routinely allowed to determine the point where the boundary line of acceptable risk is being drawn. More>>