National List MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Claudette Hauiti recently organised a "walking bus", inviting members of the public to join them on a march through Papatoetoe to raise awareness of being street-safe after local woman Praveet Kaur was attacked in January.
“New Zealand and its citizens are among the most peaceful people in the world – it is natural people should feel safe on their streets at any time of the day,” says Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP based in Manukau East.
“Since the attack in January some residents reported that they were scared to go walking in the evening and that worries me,” says Mr Bakshi.
The march demonstrated the strength of our community to support street-smart practises. It was also an opportunity to recognise National’s strong focus on law and order. Recorded crime in now the lowest in 33 years, we’ve passed new laws on sentencing, parole, gangs, and proceeds of crime. And we’ve put 600 more Police on the beat.
“National has a good story to tell and I want to be part of that. People need to be assured that Papatoetoe's crime rate has dropped and to be encouraged to speak up if they witness acts of violence,” said Mr Bakshi.
We have five bills underway to support victims. We want to keep the most serious, high-risk, repeat offenders behind bars, and keep offenders away from their victims. We will create a civil enforcement regime and take-down orders for cyber-bullying, and create harsher penalties for the sexual abuse of children online.
The “walking bus” started on the corner of Portage Rd and Station Rd and marched down Station Rd and St George St before ending at the Papatoetoe Library. More than 50 people attended the event.
“As National’s List MP based in Manukau East I thank the community for their support and welcome them to contact me if they need support or guidance on matters big or small.