“There can be no excuses made; and nor should we revert to blaming and shaming as being the solution to what the medical specialists are calling a 'national scandal'” (Dr Liz Segedin, Auckland Starship Children’s Hospital).

“The greatest power lies in our extended whanau” said Flavell. “All the inquiries in the world will come to nothing, if the basic connections are not being made at a whanau and community level”.

“We believe that our community has the solutions to stop this scandal in its tracks” said Flavell.

“We need to become responsible family members, to challenge negative and violent actions, we need to become good neighbours by intervening when we see negative and violent actions or reporting such incidents. We all need to take responsibility - perhaps we should all become our brothers, sisters and children's keepers".

“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.