‘Hitting is an Adult Issue’

Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party

2 May 2007

The Maori Party today welcomed the spirit of co-operation which the two bigger political parties have demonstrated in the amendment to the Bill, repealing the use of Section 59 of the Crimes Act.

“We have always said that repeal of section 59 will make it easier to protect children from assault” said Mrs Turia.

“We have welcomed the courage of New Zealanders, who have stood up and spoken out against the use of force to ‘discipline’ a child” said Mrs Turia.

“The support of Christian leaders, children’s advocates and tangata whenua has been particularly important in guiding the Parliament on these matters”.

“We have appreciated too, the insights of historians and researchers, who have placed this Bill into the context of attitudes to children” said Mrs Turia.

“The statements today indicating Labour and National co-operation on what has become one of the most important issues facing our nation, are a very positive sign of the commitment this Parliament is coming to, in promoting a message of the safety of children being paramount” said Mrs Turia.

“The Maori Party will continue to call for Parliament to endorse transformative practice” said Mrs Turia.

“The message we have taken from the massive outpouring of energy from New Zealanders, is the need for the empowerment of families, to have real alternatives available to support them in raising their children in a world free from violence”.

“We must all work at dispelling any notion that hitting children is acceptable” said Mrs Turia.

“Our families are calling out for help, and as a Parliament, we must listen. We must give urgent priority to an education programme leading to the creation of a non-violent society” said Mrs Turia.

“Hitting children is not a child’s issue” said Mrs Turia. “It is the issue of the adult”.

ENDS

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