ACT Maori Affairs Spokesman Donna Awatere Huata today said the concept of Mana had been violated through being linked to domestic violence.

"The case of Dick Dargaville is a clarion call to all Maori men who assault their families that we will not tolerate their cowardice any longer. The public campaign for him to face his community is a wake-up call to all those hiding their violence behind closed doors that there is nothing for them to hide behind.

"There must also be one law for all. I don't care who you are or how important you think you are in the community, there is nothing that excuses domestic violence and should be nothing to protect you from the law.

Donna Awatere Huata said the granting of name suppression on the grounds that a man's Mana would be damaged by the revelation has done a grave disservice to Maori and to the very sacred concept of Mana.

"Men who abuse their families are cowards of the worst kind, that cowardice can only be compounded by allowing them to hide from their actions.

"There is no excuse for any form of violence in the home either physical or verbal.

"Maori women are eight times more likely to be hospitalised through domestic violence incidents than non- Maori. Too many of our Maori partners, husbands and fathers use their fists rather than their hearts. It has got to stop.

"The community must send a strong signal to the Courts and to Maori men who see this case as a precedent for escaping the consequences of their actions that we as a community will not tolerate it. The violence in our homes must stop," said Donna Awatere Huata.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

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