Media Release
Hon Roger McClay
Commissioner for Children 29 October 2001
Commissioner for Children launches "no smacking" booklet for parents
Roger McClay, Commissioner for Children, is today delighted to launch a new booklet for parents and caregivers. Titled,
"Choose to hug, not to smack. Awhitia, Kaua e Papakitia", this booklet gives parents and caregivers a wealth of ideas to
help them guide children to behave well without using smacking or hitting.
Roger McClay said "At a time when more and more parents are choosing not to smack and when New Zealand as a nation is
addressing the problem of how to discourage physical discipline this is a very welcome resource".
The resource produced by the Office of the Commissioner for Children and EPOCH New Zealand uses both English and Maori
words and is simple and practical. "It is a very positive booklet," said Roger McClay. "Not only does it talk about
positive parenting and non-physical discipline but it celebrates children and reminds us all that while children can
sometimes be hard work they are also a lot of fun. Their healthy development is something that we all need to promote.
The illustrations capture the wonder of childhood and some of its trials and tribulations".
"My office unashamedly supports discouraging physical punishment and I am very pleased to have been able to support the
development of this booklet".
Contacts: Roger McClay, Commissioner for Children 04 4711410
ENDS