Launch of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Violence Project

Thursday, 23 August 2007, 3:26 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Ruahapia Marae, Hastings

Launch of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Violence Project: A local Māori response to family violence

Mihi

No-one remains unaffected by the death of a child.

But the violent death of a child at the hands of an adult who should be showering them with love and affection not punches and kicks, makes us angry and has us asking who is responsible and why did it happen?

In the last few weeks especially, every person in this country was deeply affected by the torturous injuries sustained by Nia Glassie.

We all reacted with horror as we watched events unfold that not only showed her injuries but also revealed the cruel manner in which she received them and that it appears they were inflicted by those closest to her - those with a responsibility to love and care for her.

Five adults from her whānau face charges relating to her abuse and the police are investigating whether her brother and sister were also abused.

Nia is now resting and at peace - free from violence.

We, however, remain asking the questions and seeking the solutions which will free our children, their children and their children, from violence permanently.

We gather today to launch the Ngāti Kahungunu Violence Free Strategy in the wake of the depositions hearing against Chris Kahui, charged with the murder of his twin sons, in Auckland.

The media coverage of the depositions this week reminds us again of the events surrounding the deaths of the twins and especially the long period of apparent complicit silence by family members.

The Glassie case is yet to be played out and the Kahui case continues to unfold. But we can at least rest assured that those who have been charged will be held to account by our justice system.

In the fresh, raw and horrific circumstances of these innocent, baby victims

ENDS

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