Its almost 3 months since the change of government in New Zealand took place on 14 October, though it took another 1-1/2 month for the government to start functioning from 27 November. This is first time in New Zealand that a three-party coalition government has been formed and despite core ideological differences, all leaders have gelled quite well so far. Now its time for these parties to face the music and for the government to start delivering on their election promises to provide New Zealanders the much-needed respite on pressing issues. The honeymoon period for the new government is now over and its time their tough talking on crimes should convert into tough actions which unfortunately doesn’t seem to be happening. People of Indian diaspora community are on the verge of breaking down and the rampant, unchecked, and violent crimes are becoming order of the day as they were under previous government.
One of the major issues during election at that time was the failure of previous government on law and order and high degree of insecurity among common citizens. Brazen day light robberies, break-ins and serious criminal offending were order of the day and there seemed no fear of law among criminals. Government unveiled a first 100 days plan in its first cabinet meeting to action on top 49 election promises on priority including removing several taxes and reliefs introduced by the previous government. While some of the actions taken by the government have been hailed by Kiwis, others like repealing of Clean Car discount, repealing of Fair Pay agreement and repealing of amendments to Smokefree Environment and Regulated Products Act 1990 have received severe criticism. Many government decisions like banning of Mobile phones in schools have become a topic of debate while few things are still waiting to see any impact of the decisions. The worsening situation of law and order has been one of the most keenly discussed topics in New Zealand especially within the Indian diaspora community. People have reached to a point that the laxity in laws and judiciary coupled with government’s inaction is driving them to considering taking law in their hands.
Unfortunately, despite repeated rhetoric of law being tough on gangs and on repeat offenders, people are still waiting to see its actual impact in everyday life. A substantial number of migrant communities particularly from Indian community are engaged in small businesses across New Zealand and they are among the worst effected from these serious crimes. The brazen criminal incidents leave a permanent physical scar and psychological impact in the minds of victims of these crimes. The zero-tolerance policy of the government against such heinous crimes is yet to show any credible impact on these organised crimes nexus. Even now, we get to see literally every day young offenders looting in broad daylight and in full public view and getting away with the booty. A new trend observed for last sometime is the increase in physical assaults on the workers by criminals while carrying out robbery and looting. The sole purpose of these actions appear to create a permanent fear in minds of victims of the crimes. Hence it is imperative to create the similar fear of law in minds of criminals by stringently punishing them for their deeds instead of making new legislations. We can continue making new laws without having any fear in minds of offenders, so rigorous punishment is the only deterrent to create the fear of law.
The recent crime spate against migrant businesses once again has started debate of criminal offending and gang violence in New Zealand. The hard-working Indian community is one of the worst effected of all migrant businesses where young criminals have assaulted and seriously injured workers, unprovoked. The Indian business community is largely fearful of these criminals now as government’s repeated warnings to such offenders don’t seem to be working. Its time New Zealand government should transform its tough talking into action and create a sense of safety and security among all New Zealanders, particularly in the small business community
-Yugal Parashar