Dame Turia backs hip hop artist visiting NZ

Hon Dame Tariana Turia has spoken out today about the importance of having the courage to speak out about domestic violence rather than ostracizing offenders from our midst.

“The case of hip hop artist Chris Brown provides an interesting opportunity for us to have the debate about our attitudes towards rehabilitation of offending particularly in the context of violence,” Dame Turia said.

“It seems there’s one school of thought which wants to banish individuals – to exclude certain people from our community based on our reaction to them.

“There’s another group of New Zealanders who are prepared to let people have another chance to prove themselves for the better.

“I believe in forgiveness; in individuals taking responsibility for their actions and then setting out on a path to repair the harm done.

“In my analysis of the actions Mr Brown has taken he has expressed genuine remorse; has served the sentence handed down to him, and has deliberately sought to make amends through using his profile to speak out about violence.

“I took a long time to think about my position on his request to come to New Zealand. I have dedicated most of my life to thinking about ways in which we can reduce the violence and achieve wellbeing within our whanau, and I have absolutely no tolerance for the vicious assault he was charged with back in 2009. There is no excuse or explanation for violence at any level.

“But I also think, that as a community, we should not exclude, marginalize or ignore anyone who has committed a sin based on our judgements alone. When I was growing up, my aunts used to tell me 'let he who is without sin be the first to throw a stone'. The meaning I took from that was that we should not judge or accuse others unless we first search our own hearts and minds to know that we are pure in every aspect.

“In looking at the range of attempts that Mr Brown has made to rectify the damage since the violence of his actions in 2009, I have formed the view that we should look to the example of our kaupapa in expressing forgiveness. As a result I am prepared to support his application to visit our country.”

ENDS

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