22 August 2000
Media Statement – For Immediate Release
Maori Rates of Child Abuse – The Facts Speak for Themselves
The Rt Hon Winston Peters MP, Leader of New Zealand First, today said that it was not enough for the Prime Minister to
merely damage control comments members of her Maori Caucus made recently to Women’s Refuge Head Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.
“What is needed is an admission by the Prime Minister and Maori Leaders that Ms Raukawa-Tait is 100% correct.
“Whilst child abuse rates are too high amongst all New Zealanders, they are a particular disgrace amongst Maori. There
is no denying that – the facts speak for themselves.
“Instead of going on the defensive, Maori Leaders and MPs have a responsibility to publicly acknowledge the problem and
urgently address it. Maori attitudes towards violence – domestic violence and child abuse – will not change until Maori
Leaders acknowledge the problem,” said Mr Peters.
ENDS