Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 30 July 2007

Dunne urges Maori to sort out Maori child abuse

United Future leader Peter Dunne today called for Maori not only to recognise and deal with Maori who are child abusers, but also those who stand aside and do nothing to stop them.

“This time last year we were all disgusted at the murders of Cris and Cru Kahui yet all that was achieved was a large amount of handwringing and navel gazing,” said Mr Dunne.

“It’s time to stop pretending that the kind of child abuse suffered by Nia Glassie and the Kahui twins is not a Maori problem.

“Within some families there is a culture of cover-up and collaboration that condones long-term child abuse.

“While it is only a small minority within Maori where this level of violence and the culture of cover-up exists, it seems to be deeply embedded.

“While the focus of our anger is the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, in almost all cases there are a number of people who saw and knew about the abuse but did nothing.

“It cannot be acceptable for whanau and communities to turn a blind eye to despicable acts of violence and infanticide just as it is equally unacceptable for others.

"Those who are aware of such abuse and do nothing to stop it should also be held accountable rather than the present situation of virtual impunity.

“Until Maori leadership accepts that they are the key to finding a solution for child abuse by Maori we will continue treading water waiting for the next child to die,” concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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