escalating violence in our community Become a member of the Sensible Sentencing Trust

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Current Campaigns, Events and Public Meetings

Wellington Sensible Sentencing Trust Bowls Fundraiser Tournament

Whitby Bowling Club, Discovery Drive, Whitby
Thursday February 23rd, 2012 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry $50 for bowlers and $30 for spectators
Lunch and afternoon tea provided
Bowls provided for those who need them
The event will proceed rain or shine
Come and enjoy a fun day of bowls and support the Wellington SST
Entries are limited to 64 and close Wednesday 15th Feb so get in quick
Sponsorship opportunities also available
For more info call Ross on 021 421523 or email wellington@sst.org.nz

Entry Forms (all PDF format)
Individual Entry Form
Individual Student Entry Form
Request for Sponsorship Form

Justice: Speaking Up for Crime's Silent Victims

Justice is the story of how an ordinary cocky from Hawke's Bay became a spokesperson for the victims of violent crime. Garth McVicar, a mild-mannered man, just couldn't sit back and watch the injustice. A father of four daughters and a grandfather, he was raised by decent, hard-working parents, who instilled in him "that you should leave the land better than you found it".

Sit with Garth as he reflects on 10 years of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, where it has come from, where it is going and what it has acheived. Hear from some of the victims the SST has helped. Whether you personally agree or disagree with Garth's message, no-one can deny that New Zealand has become a violent society - enough so that this unassuming man from Hawke's Bay stood up and said 'enough is enough'. In taking that step, Garth has become one of the most recognised men in the country as an advocate for the victims and families of violent crime.

But Justice is not just Garth McVicar's story. Although we read how he got involved (not, as many people seem to think, in response to something he saw on TV) and why he continues to work with such energy, commitment and assiduity. Justice also outlines the history of the SST and contemplates its future. It looks at the impact the SST has had on the New Zealand political landscape and asks; Has it made any difference? Has it done what it set out to do?

We all need to read this book - this is a story for us all - any one of us could be caught up in a nightmare like this at any time.

Hear Garth McVicar talk about his new book.
Event details: Birkenhead Library, Cnr Hinemoa & Rawene Streets, 6:00pm for 6:30pm start. Gold coin koha for Birkenhead Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to: Sharron Cleghorn at Birkenhead Library, ph (09) 486 8552, or sharronc@shorelibraries.govt.nz

Flier here (PDF)

This Penguin book is available at Wheelers, Fishpond, and Paper Plus amongst others

CrossRoads is a Sensible Sentencing Trust initiative. The government is currently considering significant changes to the law which will help remove recidivist impaired drivers from the roads – these changes include:

• The introduction of alcohol interlocking devices with treatment programmes for impaired drivers
• A zero tolerance for second time offenders, reducing the BAC to zero for those caught for their second offence
• Consideration of increasing the penalty for excess alcohol causing death from a maximum of five years to significantly longer.

It is our hope that the maximum penalty will be increased to 14 years.

If you would like to help make our roads safe and civilized, please consider signing our CrossRoads on-line petition

CrossRoads – safe and civilized roads for New Zealand
Division of Sensible Sentencing Trust

http://www.safenz.org.nz/crossroads/index.html

For more information please contact Megan McPherson at megan_andrew@clear.net.nz

Campaign against the Censorship of Victim Impact Statements

After Gil Elliot went public regarding the censorship of the VIS he made at the trial of Clayton Weatherston, other victims also came forward with stories of their Victim Impact Statements being censored.

Stephen Franks discusses the issue here in more depth

Sue Couch case:

The Appeal Court reserved their decision on allowing Sue Couch to sue the Crown; they have now decided that this action can go ahead.

Occupational Health and Safety court action postponed

The Court hearing scheduled for 22nd and 23rd October in the Wellington District Court has been postponed.

All parties concerned have agreed to enter into negotiations.

This action was instigated by the Sensible Sentencing Trust on behalf of the Kuchenbecker family and the Ashton family from Nelson.

The purpose of the action is to establish if the Occupational Health and Safety Act covers the public sector as well as the private sector.

Private sector employers are liable for prosecution under the OSH Act if the action or inaction of an employee while at work causes harm to any other person.

We are very grateful for the work Stephen Franks and Nikki Pender have done on this…all pro-bono!!

Speaking engagements:

Many Sensible Sentencing Trust coordinators and supporters are speaking at various clubs and meetings around New Zealand . This has increased the awareness, profile and membership of the Trust enormously. I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all those people.

Taupo, Christchurch and Nelson have held regular sausage sizzles and stalls to raise awareness and membership. The Barnett family in Taupo entered a half marathon and flew the SST flag as well as having a float in the Christmas parade last year.

Meetings

Below are Garth McVicar's upcoming speaking engagements

No engagements booked currently

Information on the Tai Hobson/RSA case against the probation service is here