[beaversmom]

I don't know much about New Zealand, but I'm surprised that they have so much crime. I pictured it as just a really green country with lots of sheep--shows what I know.

[The Iguana]

I spent all of '94 there - mostly in Wellington - and I did not perceive a large crime problem. I could walk Wellington's worst streets at night without any fear.

But perhaps a lot can change in 8 years.

[Ditter]

I went to New Zealand last year & your vision is correct. Its a very green country with lots of sheep & not many people. I'm shocked by the crime revelation.

[shaggy eel]

I don't know much about New Zealand, but I'm surprised that they have so much crime. I pictured it as just a really green country with lots of sheep--shows what I know.

,,, I know a bit about New Zealand. The sheep are just fine and the grass is quite green right now as it's been the coldest spring for almost thirty years. As for the Police, they're all federal as New Zealand doesn't have a State structure like the US or Australia. The Police are one of the biggest media manipulators in the country. Their service is at the sharp end of the political spectrum. Look how the crime rate has dropped over recent years in New York. That became the focus of attention from other States, the media and, indeed, the world. Funding and resouces are at the heart of it all and a mix of stats and media manipulation are the key tools in playing the game. In New Zealand's July 2002 elections law and order was a key issue.