Warden system mooted

Press, 18 April 1986, Page 4

Warden system mooted

PA Dunedin A community warden system, similar to the existing Maori warden system, has been suggested to help control noise and other minor problems in the community. Mr M Lovegrove, of Pukekohe, told the Municipal Association conference the system could replace noise control officers, or possibly be run on the basis of a Territorial-style police. Lawlessness was becoming a main issue, raid Mr R. C. Reid, of Mosgiel, at a meeting of local authorities representing areas with a population between 6000 and 10,000.

He suggested an expansion of rhe Neighbourhood

Support scheme would help alleviate problems some communities face. “We are suffering a legacy of the soft approach perpetrated in this country for a number of years, where offenders have been leniently treated by judges. “The police don’t patrol the streets as they used to,” Mr Reid said, and endorsed the idea of a community warden system. A lack of sufficient penalties for people convicted was also discussed. One representative suggested that when young people were apprehended, the responsibility for penalties should lie with rhe parents. Mr H. L. Smith, Mayor

of Gore, was concerned that wardens could end up being vigilantes, which the police would not countenance. “If the Bill of Rights is passed into law, it will make it even more difficult,” he said. “Civil rights has been suggested as the ultimate and almost perfect defence.” He also suggested that it was difficult enough now for parents, without imposing financial penalties for their offsprings’ wrongs. Mr R. Tukiri, a councillor from Huntiy, said he was not proud that 70 per cent of the offenders appearing in New Zealand courts were Maori. “The law has teeth, but doesn’t use the powers

and get the parents, whether liable or not But parents are often at fault and they have to front up,” Mr Tukiri said. The problem was not a racial one, said Mr W. J Stembridge, of Pukekohe. Many of the young offenders had no home which left them in the community with time to offend. “We have to be careful we are not making a racial statement” he said. A recommendation will go to the executive of the Municipal Association to consider a request to the Government for the community warden system. The meeting also expressed concern about lenient penalties being imposed by the Courts.