The Labour Government’s desperate injection of $6.3 million to address the pressure on Auckland courts has scotched Labour’s previous claim that the system is improving, says National’s Associate Justice spokeswoman, Kate Wilkinson.

“Less than a month ago, Courts Minister Rick Barker claimed that the $156 million injection into courts infrastructure and capability in Budget 2005 ‘has got results’.

“But the median waiting time for High Court jury trials in Auckland has more than doubled since 2003, to 304 days, compared to a 70% increase nationwide. The median waiting time in Auckland District Court has jumped 17% to 293 days since 2004.

“And the number of outstanding High Court jury trials in Auckland has more than quadrupled since 2002, from 47 to 203, while in the district court they have increased 17% to 175 cases.

It was recently reported that retired judges were being called in to help work through caseloads in the busiest courts, such as Auckland and Counties-Manukau.

“Now we find through parliamentary questions that six extra police prosecution staff are being drafted in from around the country for two months to help clear the backlog in Auckland.

“I've been calling for improvements in our courts for years, but every time I did, the Minister assured us there was no problem.

“But if there was no problem what is he fixing with this $6.3 million?

“It’s time Rick Barker admitted there is still a big problem with court delays, despite his claim that he’s done ‘heaps’.”

Answers to parliamentary questions – prosecution staff

3698 (2008). Chester Borrows to the Minister of Police (05 May 2008): Have Police prosecution staff from around the country been asked to go to Auckland to help clear a backlog of cases; if so, how many?
Police Minister Annette King replied: I am advised that the Police Prosecution Service (PPS) is supporting a two-month caseload initiative in the Auckland District Court that commenced on 5 May 2008. The PPS is providing an additional six prosecutors for the duration of the initiative. Those staff have been drawn from a number of PPS offices, four being from outside of Auckland (for part of the initiative). This response also answer question for written answer 3699 (2008).

3700 (2008). Chester Borrows to the Minister of Police (05 May 2008): Have Police prosecution staff from around the country been asked to go to Auckland to help clear a backlog of cases; if so, what will this cost in terms of travel and accommodation, and any other expenses?
Police Minister Annette King replied: I am advised that the estimated cost to the Police Prosecution Service (PPS) in supporting the two-month caseload initiative that commenced in the Auckland District Court on 5 May 2008 is $38,000.00 which will cover travel, accommodation and other expenses.

Posted by staff in News at 17:37

As the three week recess draws to a close, it has been the perfect opportunity for me to spend some solid time within the Electorate, meet with constituents and really sink my teeth into some local issues. 

In the Electorate

ANZAC Day

While the 25th April is a day of remembrance for the fallen of all wars, it specifically commemorates the day in which New Zealand and Australian soldiers landed at Gallipoli in 1915. This year, I was privileged to participate in Anzac Day services in Christchurch, Kaiapoi and Rangiora where I not only marched in all parades but also presented wreaths on behalf of the National Party. I also had the opportunity to attend the Tuahiwi Anzac service. What impressed me was the record turnout of people, particularly younger New Zealanders, who came to join veterans and their families at these commemorative services. It was clear to me that the sense of nationhood, respect and pride still exists within Waimakariri and the country as a whole.

This Anzac Day was also a chance for us to remember more than 400 members of our Armed Forces currently serving overseas, as New Zealand plays its role on the international stage, protecting peace, security and freedom in places where these are under threat.

We will remember them.

Timaru Visit

I spent Tuesday 29 April in Timaru on an Electorate Visit with Jo Goodhew, where we spoke with a number of businesses about the issues they face on a day to day basis. Most agreed that skill shortages was one of their biggest worries, with more and more people leaving in search of better money across the Tasman. National has long been concerned with the numbers of New Zealanders leaving for Australia every year. We want to keep our skilled workers in New Zealand to help grow our economy and improve our public services. Boosting after-tax wages is one way in which we can help stem the flow of Kiwi’s overseas.

Swannanoa Speed Zone

I first raised my concerns last year, that an open road speed of 100 kmh on Tram Road, outside Swannanoa School and Pre-School was a potential death-trap for our young people and should be lowered. A survey I conducted at the recent Swannanoa Fair indicated overwhelming support from local residents for a reduction in the speed limit outside the School and Pre-school. 

Swannanoa must be one of the very few schools with a speed limit of 100 kmh outside its gates. The traffic flows along this section of Tram Road are increasing with cars and trucks frequently hurtling by, and with a school and pre-school on one side of the road  and  a Community Hall, a tennis court and domain on the other it is simply too dangerous for an open road speed limit remain in place.

The safety of our young children is paramount. I have since written to the Council again, asking them for a progress report on how this issue is being addressed and outlining the depth of community concern.

Better Broadband for New Zealand

Unfortunately, New Zealand is lagging behind its global competitors when it comes to broadband and we’re missing out on opportunities the Internet provides. National believes that we need a future proof broadband network to secure our global competitive advantage. That’s why our policy is to invest up to $1.5 billion over six years to drive the roll out of a ‘fibre to the home’ ultra-fast broadband network.
 
Fibre will deliver huge economic benefits for our country in terms of enhanced productivity, improved global connectivity, and enhanced capacity for innovation and we want to see this delivered to all New Zealanders.

In the first six years, priority will be given to business premises, schools, health facilities and the first tranche of homes. This investment will help deliver the economic step change that New Zealand needs to significantly lift average incomes over time.

We will accelerate high speed broadband roll-out to rural and remote areas with the first step being to double the Broadband Challenge Fund to $48m and refocus it on rural and remote areas.  Many areas in Waimakariri still cannot get broadband.  This is wonderfully exciting for our area and should render the on-going debate about toll boundaries superfluous. 

Clinics

My next open clinics will be held:

12 May 2008 = Kaiapoi, Kaiapoi Library

19 May 2008 = Oxford, Jaycees Hall, Main Road, Oxford

26 May 2008 = Redwood, St Silas Church Hall

In the House

Parliament resumes again next week for another busy session. Thursday 22 May is Budget Day – I wonder what surprises Dr Cullen will have in store for us this time! The next edition of An Update from Kate will reveal all…

Until next time,

Posted by staff in Newsletter at 11:16