March organiser Max Whitehead believes that stronger laws will help to lower the crime rate. Photo / Dean Purcell
March organiser Max Whitehead believes that stronger laws will help to lower the crime rate. Photo / Dean Purcell
KEY POINTS:
The organiser of a North Shore protest march today calling for stronger laws against crime and tougher sentences hopes it will attract thousands of people, including busloads from East Auckland.
North Shore resident Max Whitehead has organised the protest in response to the recent kidnapping of 5-year-old XinXin Ma in Albany and several high-profile murders in South Auckland.
"What kind of society are we living in when our kids can't even play safely outside our own homes?" asked Mr Whitehead, who has an 8-year-old daughter. "Crime is getting out of control in New Zealand, and I blame the courts, politicians and weak laws.
"Stronger laws is the answer to lowering crime, and there are plenty of examples to show. Just look at countries like Singapore and Hong Kong."
Mr Whitehead said people moved to the North Shore because it was safe, and many were appalled that "South Auckland-type crimes" were happening so close to home.
"The community is sick of nothing being done and they are willing to stand up for their safety," he said.
The march will start outside the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna at 11am.
Asian Anti-crime Group chairman Peter Low, who last month led a 10,000-strong protest in Botany against anti-Asian violence, said buses would bring "hundreds of protesters" to Takapuna.
Mr Low said he had also advertised today's march on Chinese radio and expected hundreds of others to turn up on their own.
"Crime doesn't just happen to Asians, and stronger laws and tougher sentencing will make New Zealand safer for everyone.
"We want to stand united with all Kiwis this time to send an even stronger message to call for Government action."
Mr Low, who runs an import business, said he had still not heard from anyone in the Government after last month's march. "Our community continue to be angry and frustrated with the laws in New Zealand."
North Shore police area commander Les Paterson said he was surprised at the choice of venue for today's march.
"North Shore City has the lowest crime rate per capita in New Zealand, and crimes such as the kidnap are an extremely rare event."
He also said the organisers of today's march did not have a permit.
