Te Kahui Mana Ririki
Maori Child Wellness Forum

Media release
23 May 2008

Kahui verdict a reminder of the vulnerability of Maori children

"This verdict reminds us how very vulnerable Maori children are," Te Kahui Mana Ririki Trust Chair Dr Hone Kaa said today.

"We must never forget, no matter who is responsible, that two Maori babies died as the result of child abuse. Our children are the most vulnerable in the country and the Kahui twins join a long list of Maori children, who have been killed by whanau over the years."

Dr Kaa says that Maori must continue to work together to eliminate Maori Child Abuse.

"On Wednesday evening our trust held a cross-party meeting with Maori politicians to look at how we should deal with this most critical issue. Maori politicians told us that this is the one issue that could unite them across parties. We are now looking at how we move forward together."

"The Children's commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro is one of the only Maori leaders who has consistently advocated for the rights of Maori children to be raised in homes that are free from violence. Her public support and leadership for the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act has meant she is subjected to increasing criticism and public attack."

"As we approach the election it is important that we show solidarity with Dr Kiro because she carries a message of hope that is at the core of our battle against Maori child abuse."

"Smacking sits on a continuum of violence against Maori children and it must be eliminated."

ENDS

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