Head to Papatoetoe on 21 July if you have something to say to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith about retail crime and law and order.
Goldsmith will be holding a public meeting between 2pm and 4pm at Shree Swaminarayan Temple (10/12 Wentworth Avenue), aiming to engage with local retailers and the general public to discuss government initiatives to reduce retail crime. The meeting is being organised by IndoNats.
His visit comes in the backdrop of continuing violent crime that has riled small business owners across the country.
On July 10, the government announced a new advisory group headed by the Chair of the Dairy And Business Owners Group to help reduce crime.
Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee made the announcement at a dairy in Ellerslie. Goldsmith said the advisory group was budgeted to cost about $1.8 million a year for at least two years, largely paid through the proceeds of crime fund.
The group would "engage directly with victims, workers, business owners, retail experts and advocacy groups over the next two years to provide the government specific proposals to address urgent challenges in retail crime," he said.
"New Zealand has seen an exponential growth in retail crime over the past five years," Goldsmith said.
The recent tragic deaths of innocent citizens like Mewa Singh and the violent robbery at Gurdeep Singh’s jewellery store in Papatoetoe have highlighted the crisis, especially for the Kiwi-Indian community.
Despite government promises of stricter laws and enhanced law enforcement, the situation on the ground remains dire, underscoring the urgent need for immediate and decisive action to restore safety and security.
In response to the escalating crime rate, the Auckland Indian Retailers Association (AIRA) has launched a petition calling for legislative changes to curb youth crime and provide better support for victims.
The petition advocates for harsher sentences, mandatory rehabilitation programmes, and enhanced victim support, reflecting the community’s demand for comprehensive and effective measures to address the root causes of crime and ensure justice for victims.
Alongside physical and online petitions, physical protests in the pipeline signify the community’s desperation and determination for meaningful change.
Goldsmith’s visit to Papatoetoe is an opportunity for the government to address these concerns directly. By meeting with retailers and the general public, the minister aims to provide updates on the government’s efforts to tackle retail crime and hear firsthand the experiences and suggestions of those affected.
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