New Zealand First knows how important law and order is to the quality of life that hardworking Kiwi battlers expect and deserve.

This remains a priority, and we are delivering on our coalition commitments to make our communities and neighbourhoods safe.

Our investment in Police with an extra 500 officers, and funding for our Maori wardens are just part of the positive actions we are taking.

The reality is that we need our laws to give the level of protection and authority to our enforcement agencies.

Another practical step forward is now underway to strengthen the consequences of crime; New Zealand First’s commitment to giving greater protection to first responders.Too often our Police, ambulance officers, paramedics, firefighters, and corrections officers are not only victims of violence but are targeted because they are required to be at the very front line.

We must send a clear message that these roles are not only valued, but are critical and warrant the best protections we can provide.

In addition, New Zealand First has campaigned for many years to address violent attacks known as “Coward Punch”.

These assaults, often resulting in serious injury and sometimes death, are cowardly attacks on someone who is unable to defend or even protect themselves.

The strengthening of legislation to address this horrific offending has also commenced.

In addition to delivering real consequences for serious crime we know that retail crime is also causing real harm. The level of violence toward our retail workers and small business owners or the shoppers that get caught up in these incidents is unacceptable.

The losses incurred are passed on to consumers. This is why our Government is doing more to increase powers and penalties for trespassing as well as creating infringement fines to deliver immediate consequence to offenders.

New Zealand First understands what practical actions must be taken to make our New Zealand communities safer and we are sending a clear message to criminals.