Wayne Mapp National Justice Spokesperson
17 June 2001
Sentencing must reflect our serious concern for children
The Children's Commissioner Roger McClay has raised a fundamentally important question over whether our society is
actually serious about protecting children, National's Justice spokesperson Wayne Mapp said today.
Dr Mapp's supporting concern follows outcries that the two women involved in the killing of Hinewaioriki
Karaitiana-Matiaha, known as Lillybing, could be freed after serving only two-thirds of their sentences. Namana could be
out in four years and Paewai in 16 months.
"The sentencing disparities between those involved in the killing of children and those involved in the killing of
adults is a stark reminder that the law is not offering adequate protection to our children.
"The Minister of Justice Phil Goff tells us the solutions lie in his Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill, but information
National has seen so far about the bill has shown that it goes nowhere near properly addressing the real issues.
"Before presenting the bill to the House the Minister must assure everyone that the issues around child abuse and child
killing have been taken care of.
"Let's not forget that the 92% of New Zealanders who supported the Withers' referendum wanted adequate sentences for
those who do serious wrong to children as well.
"While the lawmakers and the judiciary must implement sentences that reflect public concern and the seriousness of the
crime, friends and family members and social agencies and health professionals must all take responsibility for the
plight of child abuse.
"The Minister too must also accept his responsibility and make sure his bill is drafted accordingly. Judges must also
hear the message. Tougher sentences are an important tool to demonstrate that as a country we are serious about reducing
the appalling child abuse and child killing statistics," Dr Mapp said.
Ends