Media Release 16 March 2007

Plunket: We must all speak up for children on Section 59

In response to The Children's Commissioner, Cindy Kiro being told it is inappropriate that she speak out on behalf of children in the Section 59 debate, Plunket's New Zealand President Kaye Crowther strongly disagrees.

"Plunket encourages everyone and anyone in this country who can be a positive voice for children to urge Parliament to do the right thing by passing the Bill before them," says Mrs Crowther.

"It is entirely appropriate and entirely necessary for everyone from the Children's Commissioner, to school teachers, parents and New Zealand's everyday citizens to remind dissenting MPs who this debate is really about," she says.

"It is about children. It is about keeping babies and children safe, making the changes and setting the supports in legislation to help the nation do the right thing by them – to give them the best we have."

"As a nation we need to support government to support change for the better. For our part, Plunket and agencies like ours, have the duty and the privilege to support families making that change."

"We have been supporting parents for 100 years. We will continue to support parents through this change."

"We urge all your readers to write, phone or email their MP now to ask them to pass the Bill, for the sake of the children."

ENDS

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