Bill English has announced a $503 million crime-fighting package including a boost to police numbers in his first major speech of the year as Prime Minister. "But, miraculously, in his first major speech as PM, and in election year, Mr English turns around and opens his purse for more frontline police, though not enough." Police Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett attended the State of the Nation meeting as well. • 80 additional officers to target organised crime, gangs and methamphetamine. In an unusual move, Bush attended the State of the Nation speech and appeared at a press conference after English and Deputy Prime Minister Bennett.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 01, 2017 23:40 UTC