Xmas 2012 message from the family of the Turangi assault victim

Christmas time is approaching. It is a time of joyful family gatherings in snowy Europe or at the beach in New Zealand.

However, for us - and some Kiwis - it will also be a time of dreadful memories.

One year after the drama, our daughter is fine. She recovered quickly and enjoys her first year at school, playing happily with her friends. Time passed by quickly and helped us get back to normal life. When her two new teeth finally grow, it will be even easier not to remember.

The memories fade, but we will never forget the incredible support from the hospital staff, police, organisations and most of all the support of individual people in their letters, emails, toys and donations. We will never forget the warmth and hospitality of the families who hosted us through the weeks after.

In these conditions trust in people returns quickly. You Kiwis are just special!

Keep it and cherish your uniqueness.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and relaxing summer holidays!

To read more www.waikatodhb.health.nz/turangi

© Scoop Media

"Unlawful, Unjustified And Unreasonable": Report Into Urewera Raids Finds Police Acted Unlawfully

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision by the then Commissioner of Police to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified.

“However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... Police had no legal basis for stopping and searching vehicles or photographing drivers or passengers,” he said...

The report also showed that the detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>