Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Last week I addressed the Bay of Plenty branch of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management at a business seminar it held in Tauranga. I've previously written here about the major health and safety changes we're making as a government to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in workplace injuries by 2020, so I will not cover those again. Helping its members develop skills and knowledge in workplace health and safety, NZISM is a strong voice advocate for this sector. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being made an honorary member of the organisation.

I also attended the Tauranga Kennel Association's Annual Championship Show at the weekend. This is the second year in a row I've gone, and I always have a brilliant time.

Crime numbers down

We all deserve to feel safe at home and in our communities. Since National came into government, we've been focussing on building a safer New Zealand.

It's pleasing to see our hard work is paying off. Numbers released by Justice Minister Judith Collins earlier this month show that to the end of June, levels of reported crime have dropped by 17.4 per cent in the last three years. This is an encouraging trend, and a reflection of the great job our police are doing.

As the Government, we're supporting the police so they can direct their efforts to where they're needed most. We've delivered more officers, who spend more time on the frontline; and in the last year, foot patrols were up 70 per cent.

We've also ensured our frontline officers are equipped with the resources they need to do their jobs. New technology, like smartphones and tablets, mean they have access to important up-to-the-minute information wherever they are. Now instead of spending time back at the station on paperwork, they can spend more time out on the streets where crime happens.

I'm proud of our accomplishments so far. Of course there is always more that we can do, but I can assure you we are continuing our work to make New Zealand safer.