Faafoi Kris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Faafoi Kris: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:678;Page:812] 
12. 
KRIS FAAFOI (Labour—Mana) 
 to the  
Minister of Police 
: Is it correct that “Police bosses are considering laying off staff and closing some stations in an effort to save $360 million over the next three years” as reported in the  
NZ Herald 
? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police) 
: 
 There is no savings target. However it is my expectation that the New Zealand Police like all other State sector agencies will manage within its budget. I have been clear with police that to continue their good work reducing crime we want to see increased front-line services. I am advised that the commissioner has no intention of losing front-line staff but is considering consolidating functions like finance and human resources. However this is still subject to review processes and consultation with staff. I am also advised that the commissioner is considering a range of options where improved mobility of front-line staff could provide a better service to communities but no decisions have been made. 
Kris Faafoi 
: Has she seen a proposal outlining Budget savings in the order of $360 million over the next 3 years; and if so does that proposal recommend laying off front-line staff the closure of police stations and reducing resourcing to police? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: Budget decisions of course are always announced on Budget day but I can assure the House that this Government has put 600 extra police on the front line. We have reduced crime and we have set a further target of a reduction in crime of 13 percent. The police are making important changes through Policing Excellence which will increase front-line police hours with a much greater emphasis on preventing crime— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I think I let the Minister go on a reasonable length of time because she said at the start of her answer that she was not going to talk about Budget proposals and then went on to give quite a further lengthy answer. 
Kris Faafoi 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My question pretty much clearly asked whether or not she had seen a proposal outlining what I had said in that supplementary question and I do not think I have had— 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! The Minister in fairness said that she was not going to discuss the Budget proposal and that Budget proposals are announced on a certain date and she was not gong to go down that track. So I think that was a fair answer to the question. 
Kris Faafoi 
: Can she commit to ensuring that the number of front-line police staff will not fall and that current police stations will not close as a result of Budget cuts due to be announced? 
Hon ANNE TOLLEY 
: What I can commit to this House is part of this Government’s policy is that front-line policing hours will increase that crime will reduce in our communities and that there will be fewer victims of crime. 
Kris Faafoi 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My supplementary question referred to ensuring that the number of front-line police officers would not fall not to front-line hours. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Order! I think that is probably—I am not sure I heard the Minister answer it correctly. I think she said the front-line services would not be reduced. 
Hon Members 
: Hours. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: It was hours was it? But I think in fairness that is a reasonable answer to the question because obviously individuals work hours. I think it is a reasonable answer to that question.