Worth Richard: Manukau City Council (Control of Graffiti) Bill — In Committee 
Worth Richard: Manukau City Council (Control of Graffiti) Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:646;Page:15319] 
Dr RICHARD WORTH (National) 
: 
 I think it is right to say that every politician wants to leave a legacy. It is my hope that as he completes a truly splendid career in this House and in this Chamber Mr Hawkins be remembered for the efforts he took on behalf of the citizens of Manukau City to see this issue of graffiti properly addressed. 
We are faced with a most curious irony here. As I understand it the Government plans to support the passage of the Manukau City Council (Control of Graffiti) Bill tonight. That is a strange and quirky outcome in the context of the deliberations that took place before a select committee that was clearly dominated by Labour members. We all know—and others have spoken eloquently about this—of the curse that is graffiti. I think we also know of the unstinting efforts by the honourable member to see this scourge addressed in a practical way. What a tragedy it was that the Labour-led Government did not find it in its cold heart to support this legislation. It instead opted for a decision based on a majority position that the bill be reported with a recommendation that it not proceed. I do not know whether it lies within the heart of the Hon George Hawkins to make some further comment on these issues but I invite him on behalf of the committee to stand and explain how this bill—now apparently but belatedly warranting Labour support—will mesh with current proposals that the Government has to deal with graffiti. 
We know there are limitations in this bill and we know there are limitations in the Government bill. Those issues have been addressed in earlier comments made by members in another debate. But this bill represents a fine start that should be supported. I believe it is right to say that it is broadly not appropriate for criminal-creating provisions to be locally based. Where criminal offence provisions are created they should be broad brushed and applied across the country. As those who have supported the bill and the work of the Hon George Hawkins said this bill might have been a start to trigger a series of local bills that would eventually see the Government take up this issue with the credibility and cogency that the Hon George Hawkins has exhibited in advancing this cause. 
I note the minority views of the committee where it said: “The National Party and New Zealand First recognise the problem experienced by and support the Manukau City Council in its endeavour to control graffiti within its city limits. The National Party has no confidence that the Labour Government’s anti-graffiti proposals will achieve what is required and the suggested implementation timeline of four years is too long. The National Party and New Zealand First do not support the suggestion that if this bill were to be passed that addressing the issue of graffiti would then be on a piecemeal basis.” In the dying period of the Hon George Hawkins’ rule over his electorate I urge that there be a strong statement of support and a strong endorsement for all the work he has done so credibly and with such commitment in the past period.