Minister: Chester Borrows

Borrows congratulates Student Job Search on 30 years

Admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:12:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows today congratulated Student Job Search on 30 years of helping students find work. He will tonight host university leaders, student union representatives, Student Job Search staff and employers at a Beehive function celebrating the milestone. “Student Job Search provides an important service connecting students to part-time and holiday work during their studies,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Defendants to front up in court study

Beehive — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Minister for Courts Chester Borrows this week launched a pilot scheme that will place some defendants at the centre of criminal court proceedings to better involve them in the process. The two-year pilot will be held at the North Shore District Court and will explore how the defendant's level of understanding and engagement is affected by bringing them to centre of proceedings, rather than in a dock to the side of the courtroom. ...

Youth crime drop exceeds target

Admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 01:08:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Justice

Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows says the Government’s smarter approach to youth offending shows a continuing decline in serious youth crime. Results released today as part of the justice sector’s progress against the Better Public Services (BPS) targets to reduce crime and reoffending, show youth crime down 14 per cent since the June 2011 baseline. This is well in excess of the target of a five per cent drop by June 2017. ...

Information sharing identifies benefit savings

Beehive — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 06:56:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Expanded information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has already resulted in 525 benefits being cancelled, and will result in savings to the Crown, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. It is the second major success in a week from the Government’s new welfare fraud measures. On Thursday two people were arrested in relation to a suspected $375,000 welfare scam, resulting from the first interagency welfare fraud investigation in co-operation with Police. ...

New joint fraud initiative uncovers welfare fraud

Beehive — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:05:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows today congratulated Police and the Ministry of Social Development on a joint investigation which has uncovered a sizeable welfare payment fraud out of South Auckland. As part of the government’s new interagency fraud group, the Welfare Fraud Collaborative Action Programme, MSD and Police worked together on a case involving a bogus dental practice and hundreds of thousands of welfare dollars. ...

Borrows welcome Northern Territory counterpart

Admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:08:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows will this week host Hon John Elferink in New Zealand, on a visit to view corrections and youth justice programmes. Mr Elferink is a senior member of the Northern Territory government, holding portfolios including Attorney-General, Minister of Justice and Minister for Correctional Services. “These exchanges are an important opportunity to share ideas and learn from our trans-Tasman counterparts,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Speech to the Auckland District Law Society – 2013 in Courts

Admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:50:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Introduction Let me begin by extending my thanks to Auckland District Law Society President Frank Godinet for having me here to address you this evening. Greetings to you, and also to your distinguished guests. It’s an honour to be here today speaking to a group of New Zealanders that play such a critical role in our justice system. I want to start by saying that as Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice I am grateful for your work. And I’m proud of the justice system that your work supports. ...

Re-Focus a good step in reducing youth offending

Admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:55:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

An intensive five-year programme to tackle youth offending and help disadvantaged young people in Christchurch will have a major impact on helping young offenders, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. “The Canterbury Youth Development Programme (CYDP) is a wonderful example of a community standing up to help their young people who are getting into trouble. The Re-Focus Programme will build on the experience and dedication they have, in an effort to put these kids back on the right track,” says Mr Borrows. ...

New tools to combat welfare fraud announced

Beehive — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:40:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows has today announced new measures to prevent, detect and catch welfare fraud. “We know that the vast majority of beneficiaries are honest and do the right thing, but a small minority take advantage of the welfare system. Let’s be clear – welfare fraud is a crime, committed by criminals, for their own benefit at the taxpayer’s expense, and we treat it as such without excuse,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Rangatahi Court research shows strong whānau engagement

Admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:45:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

A report released today on the effectiveness of the Rangatahi Court (te Kooti Rangatahi) shows positive early results for the programme, says Courts Minister Chester Borrows. The report was released at Hoani Waititi Marae today by Mr Borrows, along with Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples, Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft and Youth Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu. ...

Fresh Start reforms delivering positive results

Admin — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:02:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

The Government’s Fresh Start reforms are having a positive impact on youth offending, Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows says. Child, Youth and Family today released an update report on the seven key policy changes included in Fresh Start. “Fresh Start is about getting smarter in how we deal with young offenders. While it is still early days, these results are an encouraging indication that we’re on the right track,” Mr Borrows says. ...

Changes to the District Court network confirmed

Admin — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows today confirmed the changes to the District Court network announced in October. The changes involve nine small courts being used only for hearings, rather than being open five days a week, and four small courts being disestablished. ...

Tablet computers in the Environment Court improve efficiency

Beehive — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Two recent trials of tablet computers in courts have yet again demonstrated the potential of new technology to improve court efficiency, says Courts Minister Chester Borrows. The most recent trial – an Environment Court hearing to consider a proposed coal mine on the Denniston Plateau – is currently nearing completion. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve, modernise and make our courts more efficient. Using tablets, such as iPads, instead of volumes of paper is a perfect example of this in action,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Family Court reform bill passes first reading

Beehive — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:52:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

A bill to modernise the family justice system and make it more accessible to those who need it most has passed its first reading in Parliament today. Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows says the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill is the first step towards addressing the serious concerns about the Court raised by court users including the public, judges, lawyers and counsellors. ...

Minister opens Christchurch PDS

Admin — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Justice

The Christchurch Public Defence Service (PDS) office will be part of a high quality legal aid system, says Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows. At the office’s official opening today, Mr Borrows said the PDS delivers quality defence services to some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders. “The PDS is an important component of the high quality legal aid system in this country, is well-regarded by judges, prosecutors and court staff, and delivers value for money.” ...

Investment in court safety produces big gains

Beehive — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Investment by the Government to improve court safety has resulted in significant improvements, Courts Minister Chester Borrows announced today. Between 2009/10 and 2011/12, security incidents in courts have fallen by 35 per cent, with serious incidents down 63 per cent. “Those who go to court should be able to feel safe, whatever their reason for being there. That’s why we’re investing in additional court security where it’s needed, and I’m pleased to see that investment paying off,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Working with Māori key to reducing youth crime

Beehive — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Expanding relationships with Māori and iwi youth service providers is an important tool in addressing Māori over-representation in youth crime, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. “Young Māori are significantly over-represented in youth offending statistics, with an apprehension rate of more than three times that of Pacific or New Zealand European young people,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Family Court video technology trial links lawyers in remote locations

Beehive — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows welcomed a successful trial today of video conferencing in the Family Court. “Web-based video conferencing is exactly the kind of technology to bring our courts into the 21st century, offering great accessibility, efficiency and convenience. Today’s mock hearing is an important step towards a more modern court system,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Victims an important part of youth justice system

Beehive — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Improving the way we deal with victims of youth crime is an important part of a credible youth justice system, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. “It doesn’t matter if the criminal is 16 or 26; the impact of the crime is the same. That’s why ensuring good treatment for victims of crime is just as important in the youth justice system as it is in the adult system,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Changes to the District Court network announced

Administrator — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows today announced changes to the District Court network, as part of efforts to modernise court operations. “With crime falling to record lows and the number of people coming to court decreasing, we are taking the opportunity to improve how the 63 District Courts are administered and to modernise services so they are more in line with public expectations,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Disputes Tribunal applications now online

Beehive — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:55:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows announced today that people can now lodge claims and counterclaims with the Disputes Tribunal and pay their fee online. “In a digital world, New Zealanders expect to access information and services via the internet, with all the convenience and speed that brings. Moving Disputes Tribunal applications online will deliver that level of service for the over,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Information sharing to prevent welfare fraud

Beehive — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:26:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows welcomed the impending start of new information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as a huge step forward in preventing welfare fraud. “The vast majority of beneficiaries are doing the best they can and follow the rules, but a small minority exploit the system at great cost to taxpayers,” says Mr Borrows. Last year alone 714 people were convicted of benefit fraud totalling $23.4 million. ...

Borrows thanks youth justice social workers

Admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows says National Social Workers Day is the perfect time to acknowledge the important work social workers do with New Zealand’s young offenders. “Unfortunately many people think that a clip-around-the-ear and a few stern words is all a young offender needs. But these young people have complex issues which need addressing, giving youth justice social workers an incredibly hard, but essential, job to help put them back on the right track,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Consultation on civil court fees begins

Beehive — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:28:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows today released a consultation document on changes to civil fees in courts and tribunals administered by the Ministry of Justice. “Civil court and tribunal fees need to strike a balance between the public and private benefit of court and tribunal services, to fairly allocate the cost between taxpayers and those using the services. The proposals being consulted on are aimed at delivering a principled, consistent and fair approach to civil court fees,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Alcohol and drug treatment a vital part of Fresh Start

Admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

“Alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes are a vital weapon in reducing youth crime, helping young people to break out of the cycle of addiction, develop pro-social skills and resist the negative influences of peers,” says Associate Minister Social Development Chester Borrows. Mr Borrows today visited Odyssey House in Christchurch, which has 27 years’ experience in providing alcohol and other drug rehabilitation programmes to adults and young people. ...

Outstanding fines balance falls by 25 per cent

Beehive — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:01:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Courts

Courts Minister Chester Borrows announced today that the amount of fines and reparation owed has reached its lowest level in eight years, falling more than 25 per cent in three years. “This Government is committed to building a safer New Zealand, and to do that every part of our justice system has to deliver results. Fines and reparations are an important tool to deal with offenders, but they must be seen as a credible and effective sanction,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Government responds to child offending report

Admin — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 02:21:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows today tabled the Government’s response to the Social Services Select Committee inquiry into the identification, rehabilitation and protection of child offenders. “I share the Committee’s determination to ensure today’s child offenders don’t turn into career criminals and the right steps are taken to get these young people’s lives on track. “The Committee provided a thoughtful report and the Government has carefully considered its recommendations,” says Mr Borrows. ...

Youth Crime Action Plan terms of reference released

Admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Justice

Associate Justice Minister Chester Borrows today released terms of reference for the Youth Crime Action Plan. The plan is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce offending by, and victimisation of, children and young people. ...

Parenting programmes delivering better dads

Admin — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:51:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Helping the parents of serious young offenders develop the skills and strategies they need to deal with their children is a key step in reducing youth offending, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. ...

Mentoring giving young offenders fresh hope

Beehive — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 05:15:00 +0000

Chester Borrows | Social Development

Mentoring young people at risk of becoming career criminals is the best way to put them on the right track, says Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows. Mr Borrows today visited Wairarapa based mentoring provider Te Hiringa Ora to congratulate them on their outstanding work, accompanied by Wairarapa MP John Hayes. Te Hiringa Ora are one of the providers who have delivered mentoring for more than 1100 at risk young people under the Fresh Start reforms, introduced in October 2010. ...