The trip to Welly

[Genestho]

I joined a campaign group (Badd is formed for education/research only) under the Sensible Sentencing umbrella, called Crossroads back in December, which is made up of 6 families who have had a death due to impaired drivers.

We figured since its election year we would try to see if we could extract any election promises from all political parties, in regards to reducing recidivism.

Megan Mcpherson and I attended a meeting last friday in Wellington, with a representative of National and were given an insiders view of how it works in politics.

Out of all of our solutions, the Ignition Interlocking device was the one that National are most interested in, being that states in Austrailia are already using this as part of penalties, Canada has had a 75% reduction in recidivism and international studies have shown the recidivism is reduced by 40-90%, while the device is fitted into cars. The police are backing the call for these devices. Its user pays, and there are penalties that can be applied for circumvention. It focuses on the minority causing carnage on our roads.

Its not exactly what we wanted to start out with, BUT it is a start, we need a precise achievable stepping stone, and this will be it to start with. Small steps, small goals are more achievable than running all over the place with big ideas.

As part of the other issues involving recidivism, harsher penalties, I personally believe it’s a good idea to back Sensible Sentencing and give them as much support as I can under the Crossroads banner.

I believe as a big group – we can achieve.

I doubt politicians of 5 parties would attend this conference if they’re not concerned for our votes.

At the Sensible Sentencing conference 19th and 20th April in Wellington Chester Burrows (National) publically stated interest he would talk more with us on the interlocking devices. (We basically have to sell the idea with stats used internationally and in Aus)

When giving an interview for tv3, and the reporters researching Harry Duynhovens comments in regards to shooting recidivists, the reporters let us know there was a 20 min bollocking session for them. They were told we are negative, Im not so sure theres much negative in trying to reduce recidivism on our roads...and encouraging our elective parties to actively do aomething about it!

There will be updates at my website as soon as poss, but im a bit crook and need rest.

PS thanks to Tim for winning the auction, there will be another auction starting next week.

As always, thanks to everyone for their support.

Cheers Jos

[McDuck]

At the Sensible Sentencing conference 19th and 20th April in Wellington Chester Burrows (National) publically stated interest he would talk more with us on the interlocking devices. (We basically have to sell the idea with stats used internationally and in Aus)



Cheers Jos

Well they use chesecutters, cut be hard to sell...

[98tls]

Fwiw i firmly believe they need to be reminded of the 3 strikes your out thing they paraded a few years ago,find any newspaper on a court day and how many times do you see Sam Smith appeared for the 4th time etc and recieved 12 months pd blah blah,the system itself breeds repeat drink drivers by making the punishment of no consequence at all,if anything its more of a problem for guys in the country as the local cops pick them up easy but in the city its very easy,drive to court get some pd and loss of licence leave court get in the car and fade away amongst the thousands of other road users.The 3 strike concept at least would have saved some people some grief,take a guy whos 25 and driven twice before pissed,yep he still does it as theres been no real price to pay..put him in the big house for a spell on his third and for many i bet ya thats where it ends,better still do it after the first time but the powers that be dont seem to take it serious enough to do anything like that..ever.Best of luck with it all anyway eh.

[BIHB@0610]

Well done Jos! I'm not surprised you need a rest, two days of intensity would have been pretty exhausting. Thanks for keeping us informed - those ignition interlocking devices sound like the bomb (if only they could incorporate a bomb instead of just stopping the car from working ....... shutting up now, universe is frowning).

Hugs to you and your family

[Genestho]

98tls - I know, that was the common thread we shared at the Sensible Sentencing conference "he was a repeat offender" and jail time is not fitting to the crime.

We as Sensible Sentencing presented to all of the parties the 3 strike your out policy, and are waiting to hear feedback.

I know some people think Sensible Sentencing policies are a knee jerk reaction to the big stories, and that "parading" victims gets Sensible Sentencing's its sympathy support.

Firstly no-one chooses to be in this situation, and secondly there is nothing and no-where else for these people to gather strength and support, where everyone has something in common. We could just be.

By crikey they deserve to be angry, because of whats happened to their loved ones.

But this was not a lynch mob complete with fires and pitchforks.

This was a bunch of battlers in the face of their grief, who have had victim impact statements censored, botched investigations, paperwork mucked up or not shared by the appropriate agencies, disresepct by the offenders who show no remorse and are not pulled up on it in court, constant battles with parole boards to keep killers behind bars- as the offenders 'find god' or have learnt to be good for a couple of years out of many.

A few have watched the killers of their loved ones get reperation for violations of human rights behind bars (god forbid - its JAIL!?)

We all know the stories, we all know their names.

This was a dignified, courageous, sad and hurt bunch of people. They dont choose to be part of the "exclusive club", they just are.

And I like most NZ'er didnt realise that their battles rage on still. Some will be fighting our system till they die.

There is a stack of legislation on offenders rights, and a flimsy book on victims rights.

I was continually shocked all weekend. And sometimes even embarrassed to be a NZ'er. I cant believe in this first world we can condone this.

Lives interrupted, stopped and changed for ever.

And I realised out of everyone there, Im the only one where the killer of my loved one is dead, and I dont have to battle the judicial system.

Sorry to rant, this had a huge impact on me...and if normal everyday kiwis were witness to these conferences, Im sure you'd feel the same.
In NZ right now Violent crime is reported every ten minutes, its random, and it could happen to you.


And im extremely pleased with this IID idea it something concrete and do-able.

New Mexico has had the device for 10 years already, theyre bringing in the device for first time offenders. Many states in the US are bringing in the IID as part penalty for first time offences, countries that already use this see a 75% reduction in repeats, from first time offence.

Anyway, ranted enough and will save the stats for my site, cheers all

[candor]

Hi Jos - yep and tha is how it is, SST is often misrepresented as the PR damage control people try to paint members as oddballs, but the conference was major, they continue gathering power, the "movement" is getting really focussed through serious crime victims uniting and not before time.

Another thing about the Nat policy (yet to be announced) was it will keep the repeats off roads longer as they ta;lked of or hinted at lowering thresholds to charge drink / drugged drivers along with red light runners and other maniacs whose lack of courtsey would kill with more serious charges rather than just "careless driving".

This is standard in many countries with similar systems and means much heavier penalties. Both before nd when they kill. Which translates into greater likelihiood of imprisonment or home detention - which KEEPS THEM OFF THE ROAD for longer stretches giving us more relief... and stating the obvious will trickle down to fewer direct and indirect victims.

The only thing tha could be said about Labour was that they had zero interest and zero response. Apart from Annette King noting that those who kill on roads usually have prior violent offences - so are obviously not Jo average. She or rather her representative (she disappeared after speeches) offered no soluions and was dumbfounded at question time.

Dunne commented that the big media campaigns targeting jo average is millions of wasted dollars to look like something is being done - while the true target group has no funds directed at stopping them. I think he mneant A and D treatment etc - but this would equally apply to ignition interlocks, drug testing and yes keeping us out of harms wauy by putting them on a short leash (imprisonment or car crushing etc).

All I know is that the present situation can't continue. You said you were ashamed at NZs general picture - and yes in the impaired driving area the performance is 20 years out of date and a disgrace. Its just not a sexy issue... but too many people are affected it is clear - and the govts negligence is not going unnoticed as new activists are getting added to the mix daily, are organising and can no longer be seen as "lone malcontent psychos".

We are not a minority. The incompetence is making us many and a feature of the political landscape. As was also noted at he conference for each squeaky wheel that attended are many more silent supporters. Families, friends and communities also affected or who are listening and can relate.

There can be no excuse for continuing to call us "negative" or however else they dismiss us. What is negative is ignoring the issues and the anguish when solutions are pretty obvious - well tested in other countries etc etc.

An uncaring government is now getting exposed as such. If that is negative, so be it. Go visit dog bite victims, and those dying in association with non electricity bill payment, go attend the Maori Queens funeral while ignoring that Maori have the second highest road toll in the world.

Keep on dismissing or belittling road safety advocates - the stats say that oneday a cabinet minister will experience death by a predictable road killer. Pretty sad that they have to learn by their own experience before taking an interest in such a common tragedy.

[Genestho]

Im glad Im not the only one that thought Annette King was uncaring.

When I watched people walking out, and people laughing, horrified.

I remember thinking "Is this lady for real?" The rest of us were staring as if she was telling a cruel joke!?

I felt most dissapointed firstly when she was the only party who wasnt there for the introduction of the victims and stories.

All those party members were dumb stuck at the numbers of us and managed to show empathy with more than just a flat bunch of pre written words.

I was initually very surprised when she exited rather quickly after pounding through stats and figures, that she didnt want to hang out for cups of tea and lunch, leaving her newly employed lady behind, to struggle to answer the questions, dumping the prepared press release at the door.

Now I know what I know, im really not surprised at all.

The next day when I read her press release I really felt for everyone, quietly reading, shaking their heads.

The release was as if she had successfully implemented something new, it missed everything else that she didnt acknowledge.

It was as if she came to the wrong conference with the wrong info.

It would've been perfect for the agencies under her command, but not for us.

I was there because I wanted to know - why should I and family and friends who have been shafted by the system where prior criminal history is not taken into current consideration, (it seems so simple?) vote for Labour, and what assurances are there to make us safer in NZ. She has left me uneasy.

There is a continual view of Labour, of arrogance and ignorance. (A certain radio station said the same thing last week)

Well more than a hundred people witnessed it first hand.

Heres something else. A guy whose daughter was killed - an immigrant, was told when he weighed the differences between Aus and NZ - where to live..

"Oh NZ has a very very low crime rate" When they first moved over his childs bike was stolen, three years later, so was his childs life.

So we must be telling immigrants some porkies too...

[BIHB@0610]

Hey Jos can you tell us, were there any undertakings made by any of the MPs/politicians? I'd be really keen to read what was tabled, and what their response was. Is that stuff going to be on your website? I'll try the parliament.govt.nz website for press releases etc.

It would be good to know what they said they would do. For anyone who's interested, even e-mails are treated as serious ministerial correspondence, so if you want to contact the Minister (Annette King), send a personalised e-mail ..... Ministerial.Office.of.Hon.Annette.Ki...ters.g ovt.nz (Jos correct me if I'm wrong with that address).

Or you can write to her - you don't need a stamp - at:
Annette King
Parliament Office
Parliament Buildings
PO Box 18-041
Wellington

I'm going to have a go as soon as I've read her press release .....

[Genestho]

Hey Planna

It was only after a HUGE think this week, that I thought Id even leave my personal view on the general sensible sentencings conference here, I was just so moved by it that I had to share. I'll only be focussing on the IID's and any initiatives to do with closing the loop on repeat offenders at my website.
Since this is a public forum I thought Id exercise my democratic freedom..

Paneled questions -

Abolish Parole?

NZ first - Parole is a failure
Act - failure
National - couldnt be pinned down
NZ1st chg current system cummilitive vs concurrent
No answer written for Labour, she struggled but did her best

Will you support policies on official accountancy for Release Decisions?
Act - only on repeat patterns
Nats- Yes
Labour - No
United Future - Ministerial accountability
NZ first - Yes

Will there be an establishment of National Centre for victims of violent crime?
NZ first - Yes
Nats - Yes - taxing the criminal $50 to put into the pot
Labour - 2.8 mill to current victim support services
Act - Full sentences served - 3 strikes - max sentences
National - Maybe


DNA compulsary Database on arrest?
NZ first - Yes
United First - Yes
Act - Yes
Nats - Yes
Labour - No

Act and NZ first worked together to shut down Labours crime amendment bill, where Labour wanted to change the wrods to read "the victim may be invited" to Parole

United first want to attack youth crime at first offence, more community policing, more on self defence ed.

Act was along the lines of prevention before the cure

NZ first was talking of re introducing National Military service as was stopped in the 60's And lowering age of criminal responsibility

Labour talked of Restorative Justice, Family violence, writing off legal aid debt at the start for victims.

Nats talked of Law and Order: focussing on bail, youth, Police tools (tazers etc, and hopefully we can slip IID's in there) and Gang control, which I imagine would be a biggy.

This is all a small summary, you'll find more at each party site.

You'll see when you watch the release from Annette on vid, theres no panning on reaction, or anyone walking out. She says the words but theres nothing behind them (personal opinion of many) You can understand other parties promising the earth, what I cant believe is the rep of Justice and Police - skipping out on us. Disgusting and is a reflection of whats going on


When John Key, Ron Marks, Heather Roy and Peter Dunn addressed us, there was real empathy, wet eyes, I know theyre after a vote, but still they made an effort, and they hung out with us and stayed to answer questions.

aking@ministers.govt.nz

[sels1]

.

There is a continual view of Labour, of arrogance and ignorance...

This is common in 3 term Governments (Who remembers Muldoon's last year?)

Politicians and nappies shold be changed regularly, for the same reason.

Good luck with your campaign

[Genestho]

The disclaimer:

This is just a personal observation of mine - but witnessed by many.
Im not into politics, I just want to know which way my vote will count, and which party has my childrens future in interest.

I dont want to speak for anyone here, or encourage where to vote. Its all observation.

[Genestho]

This is common in 3 term Governments (Who remembers Muldoon's last year?)

Politicians and nappies shold be changed regularly, for the same reason.

Good luck with your campaign

Thanks mate, I dont remember Muldoons last year, I was getting my nappies changed!! lol.

Im new to all this, its an eye opener!!!