Media release

Date 21 August 2009

For immediate release

Plunket Asks New Zealand To Put Referendum Behind It And Support Positive Parenting

New Zealand can now move on from the referendum and concentrate on increasing support for parents to enable them to raise their children in a positive and nurturing way says Plunket.

Plunket New Zealand President, Carol Becker, says the wording of the referendum ballot was confusing to people while also being loaded towards pushing the agenda of those wanting to overturn the changes to Child Discipline Law.

Now, rather than just focus on the results, it is time for New Zealanders to accept a law that is working well and to look at supporting parents to provide positive, caring and safe environments for their children.

She said the referendum had the benefit of raising the question on how to best support good parenting. "Making changes to the law is not going to help parents provide the best start for their children and will be like taking a step backwards."

Carol says, "I want to acknowledge the immense amount of work that has already gone into changing attitudes towards parenting and providing good support to families. I hope the foresight shown by this Government in guiding New Zealanders to develop positive parental skills will continue."

There are a number of options available to parents keen to enhance their parenting skills. Plunket delivers a range of services on top of our core Well Child health visits - all at no cost to the participant. We deliver a number of parenting education courses including those developed for high school students, and even some specifically designed for fathers. For urgent advice or support, PlunketLine offers a 24 hour seven days a week service.

ENDS

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