Media Release – For Immediate use

22 August 2000

PM MUST EXPLAIN MAORI MINISTERS’ CENSORSHIP

The New Zealand First Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters, has demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister about reported attempts by her Maori Ministers to “gag” the Children’s Commissioner about child abuse figures.

“I am deeply concerned that not only did the Maori Affairs Minister and his Associate Minister try to silence Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, of the Women’s Refuge, but they are now also trying to shut down comments from Commissioner, Roger McClay.

“Hiding this shameful problem will not do anything to solve it. The majority of Maori want to confront the issue out in the open and to bring these bullying cowards who abuse children to justice.

“This is not a time to be politically correct. It is a time to help those families struggling against the monsters in their midst and to protect the children,” said Mr Peters.

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