Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: General Debate 
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: General Debate 
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KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
: 
 It is my privilege to participate in today’s general debate as a member of the National Party. I would also like to share the experience I have had while being out and about among the Indian and ethnic communities during the past few months. It was my honour to accompany our Prime Minister the Rt Hon John Key on his State visit to India. National is very focused on improving New Zealand’s relationship with India which is the fastest-growing economy in the world. It is very important for New Zealand to look for new markets for the products produced in New Zealand. 
The economy is recovering. The National-led Government is taking New Zealand forward by reducing our debts getting back to surplus within 3 years and building a faster-growing economy. We are getting on top of Government debt by keeping it below 30 percent of GDP and we are on track to surplus by 2014-15. Over the next few years we have an opportunity to build a solid foundation for a faster-growing economy and more jobs. 
It is the week of our largest sporting event. The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an unprecedented opportunity for New Zealand. It will be the biggest event ever held in this country and we plan to make the most of it. The tournament will be watched by millions of viewers around the globe. We will be showcasing New Zealand to the world. I have seen enthusiasm over the past few weeks within the communities in South Auckland. Shops in Manukau have flag bunting up people are adopting their second teams and a great atmosphere of excitement is building. I have no doubt that the All Blacks will win and I am looking forward to watching the games. 
National has added additional funds for education health transport and law and order all of which are very important areas for ethnic communities and Indians. National has made South Auckland a safe community. Crime has reduced family violence has decreased and the streets are safer. That is reflected in the latest crime statistics of all recorded crimes in the Auckland district last year. The highest percentage of 43 percent was recorded for theft and related offences followed by unlawful entry burglary and breaking and entering at 17 percent. Recorded crimes in Auckland per head of population are the lowest they have been for the last 15 years. We have introduced tough laws and new legislation boosted police numbers and given them new tools to deal with crime. It is good to see in my electorate that this is making a difference. Taxi drivers in the taxi industry are very happy with the instalment of the new cameras in their taxis. They now feel safer and there is a huge sense of relief and satisfaction that the killer of Hiren Mohini the taxi driver who died last year has been brought to justice. 
Aucklanders can look forward to faster and more reliable electric trains thanks to National’s $1.6 billion investment upgrade in extending and electrifying Auckland’s rail network. National’s investment in Auckland rail will give the region more independence and flexibility in how it runs its services. Motorists will not have to pay an additional regional fuel tax of 10c per litre. 
As a person of Asian ethnicity it is a common practice and expected that we save for our old age and for generations to come. This is a value that is instilled in us from birth. The proposal of mixed ownership is very attractive to the ethnic community. Small investors such as mum and dad investors will be able to invest in New Zealand companies. There is strong Kiwi demand for shares in State-owned enterprises. New Zealanders are expected to own at least 85 to 90 percent of five companies under National’s mixed-ownership policy including the Government’s majority shareholding.