Worth Richard: Address in Reply 
Worth Richard: Address in Reply 
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Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH (Minister of Internal Affairs) 
: 
 I had the good fortune in the course of the Waitangi weekend to go to an Indian Sikh temple in South Auckland for a number of hours. The message from that temple to those who were there to listen was a very simple one and it was contrary to what the previous speaker Parekura Horomia said: the legacy that Labour has left is a legacy of distrust discontent and waste. What were the issues confronting that community then and what will they be in the next 3 years? I think it is very easy to articulate them. These are ordinary New Zealanders. These are the types of people whom Parekura Horomia has spoken about. These are the types of people like him like myself who have aspirations for New Zealand to do well and for our families to do well. These three issues that were so significant for them as they are significant for us can be encapsulated I would say in perhaps three short phrases: the first is the strength of the economy the second relates to issues around family values and the third relates to issues around law and order. 
I think it is with real sadness that members—certainly the ones on this side of the House—contemplate the legacy that Labour has left us. It was a time when there were opportunities to be seized. It was a time when there could be substantial spending because of surpluses that the Government made in infrastructure and in health. Sadly those investments were not made and those opportunities were squandered. 
If I look at the issue of family values for a moment I just reflect that to a number of people family values will have a range of responsive feelings. I look at the inclusiveness of Waitangi Day when multi-ethnic New Zealand is gathered together in what is I think a startling and committed display of support. We saw that at Waitangi with the Prime Minister. Members on both sides of the House have been to those Waitangi ceremonies for many years; in my case I have gone for some 12 years. We have seen the disturbances. What did we see this time? We saw I would say inclusive goodwill. We saw this not only at Waitangi but also in Auckland where there were other such displays from the Indian and Chinese communities. That is why I think it is time to start reflecting again on this issue of family values and on how we can strengthen relationships not only within whanau and smaller family groupings but more widely within the diverse ethnic community that is now our heritage and our treasure. So I touch on that. 
It is quite clear is it not that New Zealand faces a difficult and uncertain period in the context of what is going on globally. It seems to me that 2009 will be a year that will be difficult for many. It will be a year when many will hunker down. It will be a time when in the context of businesses such as retail and hospitality there will be particular challenges. But I think that we are well placed because of our resilience as a people to come through that period in a reasonable way. For some it will be hurtful. For most of us it will be very challenging. But we do have some particular advantages and one of those advantages must surely be our self-sufficiency in food. That is why to date the Government has released and plans to further announce a whole step of measures that should strengthen our small to medium sized enterprises which contribute to the wealth of the nation. Ninety-five percent of all business entities in New Zealand are reflected in the small to medium sized enterprise sector ranging across small unincorporated businesses partnerships and of course companies themselves. 
The final thing I would like to talk about which was brought home so strongly by that Indian community in South Auckland is the issue of law and order. Under the previous Labour Government we tolerated a circumstance where law and order was not given the focus and commitment that it should have been given. Sure it was a significant talking point and it was very much a talking point in this House. But so often that is where it stopped. 
We can look at a whole raft of law and order issues and organised crime would be a good illustration. We have seen a very determined advance by organised crime into areas of activity where traditionally it was not an entrant. It starts with drugs and goes on to a whole lot of racketeering being committed. 
Moana Mackey 
: All talk no action! 
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH 
: To respond to the interjector opposite I say that is why we plan to launch a whole lot of initiatives that start with issues like DNA testing of those convicted of serious offences. These initiatives go on to deal in a determined way with abuses in the parole system and to provide effective targeting of young people who are in trouble. There are a whole lot of initiatives that I feel certain—and I know my colleagues do—will produce significant gains to the community. 
Moana Mackey 
: When will we see the legislation that is being debated today? 
Hon Dr RICHARD WORTH 
: The legislation will be available for debate today. It will go to select committees for review for refinement and for report back. So these catcalls that are coming across the House towards me are empty because there will be an opportunity for public participation and for debate in this Chamber on the merits of that law. Why those opposite should contend otherwise I do not understand. 
Those are three issues that this Government is absolutely committed to dealing with—issues around the economy issues around the family and issues around law and order. Surely if those issues are robustly and properly addressed the first term of this Government—and I hope it will be the first of many terms—will be characterised by robustness by advance and by benefit.