Stuart Smith
National MP
Kaikoura
Below is Stuart Smith’s response.
The ram-raids on retail stores across the North Island are appalling and it is a result of a government that has sent a message loud and clear to New Zealanders that they’re soft on crime.
Since 2017, gang numbers have increased 44 per cent, violent crime is up 21 per cent and police wait times have blown out drastically. Sadly, victims in some areas are waiting almost two hours for police to show up due to the current crime wave. On top of that, youth offenders have been responsible for a staggering 88 per cent of ram-raid incidents.
Education and children actually going to school is critical because it is the strongest tool we have to ensure all New Zealanders get an equal chance in life and an opportunity to be successful.
But when 40 per cent of New Zealand children aren’t attending school regularly, it provides a platform for misbehaviour and crime.
Covid-19 was always going to take its toll on our most vulnerable students. The impact of lockdowns meant disengagement with the education system for many. But the government knew this and did nothing about it, and now the intergenerational harm that is doing will be colossal.
There is an element of parental responsibility here, but sometimes we need to help those parents who are struggling to give their kids support. We could do this through targeted social investment, which would identify the troubled families and give them direct support to create a better path in life.
When National was last in government, we set up charter schools that helped rehabilitate the most troubled young people, but, unfortunately, Labour cancelled all charter school contracts when they took office. Not everyone fits into mainstream schools, and charter schools were targeted support for those who were struggling – and it worked.
With the government turning a blind eye to the cost of living crisis, youth crime is out of control. Rampant inflation and low wages are making Kiwis desperate, especially those doing it the hardest. It is no secret that tough economic times generally go hand-in-hand with an increase in crime. I fear we may only be seeing the beginning of it.
Ultimately, young people are our future and we have an obligation as parliamentarians to do the best we can by them. Being soft on crime, allowing a truancy epidemic and stoking along the cost of living crisis is not helping our young people.
