Clean, Green, But Not Very Safe

Federated Farmers is doing every non-criminal New Zealander a favour in highlighting lawlessness in rural New Zealand, ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today.

"The Federated Farmers survey, carried out after Northland farmer Paul McIntyre shot thieves on his property last year, which found that 38 percent of respondents have not reported on farm incidents to police, should disturb every New Zealander," Mr Franks said.

"Of the survey's 220 respondents, 27 percent went so far as to say that, should someone be found stealing from their property, they would call their mates and handle it themselves. A further 52 percent would ring police - but not wait for them to deal with it. Only a paltry 17 percent would actually call police and wait for them to arrive.

"What other outcome could be expected though? In Paul McIntyre's case, it took police three hours to arrive. Rural New Zealand is being left no option but to look after itself.

"A core role of Government is to protect law-abiding citizens, their families and property. Clearly, rural New Zealand lacks confidence in the Government's ability to do this - given the details of Mr McIntyre's case, this is not surprising. Traditionally, enforcement of the law was in our own hands, and respect for law and order was established at a time when every able-bodied and honest citizen could be called upon to catch criminals.

"With the Government planning to expand public access to private property, it must also ensure that it can protect rural New Zealand's safety and property from the increasing number of visitors who will cross their land. If it cannot, then it should support, not prosecute, farmers who have to take the law into their own hands, and deal with criminals on country excursions," Mr Franks said.

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