Media Release

Anti Smacking Campaign Cop Out

The Government’s anti-smacking education campaign has been described as a cop out by New Zealand First’s education spokesman Hon Brian Donnelly.

“For reasons known only to itself the Government has sought to dilute the message of the original campaign and the end result is that our children will still be subjected to physical punishment”, said Mr Donnelly.

“The Minister should reconsider this programme – spending $10 million to disseminate warm fuzzy feelings is a complete waste of money if the Government does not spell out its opposition to smacking” said Mr Donnelly.

“The Minister was given more than $10 million in 2002 for an anti violence campaign following criticism from the United Nations that in this country hitting adults is illegal but hitting children is not against the law.

“However he has now backed off specific opposition to physical punishment and described the programme as a parenting programme incorporating alternatives to smacking.

“This is a back down which demonstrates a serious lack of commitment to actually banning physical punishment and the Minister should be ashamed of himself, said Mr Donnelly.

ENDS

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