The Mapp Report
www.waynemapp.co.nz

Commonsense should prevail in parental rights

This week’s big political issue has been the debate on Sue Bradford’s anti-smacking Bill. The e-mails and letters have been pouring into my office, all pretty clearly in one direction. People do not want to be told by the state how to bring up their children. In this week’s Mapp Report I will make clear my position in relation to this Bill.

As I have said in the past, I vote on conscience issues on the basis of the views of the electorate. I gauge the views of the electorate by conducting random scientific polls. Eighty five percent of respondents to my poll in relation to Sue Bradford’s Bill believe parents should have the right of physical discipline. However, 86 percent also consider that the nature of discipline should be better defined, so that it is limited to a light smack.

National has given a lot of thought to the issues surrounding section 59 of the Crimes Act. We believe there is a sensible middle course, which would improve the existing provisions of section 59. Chester Borrows has proposed an amendment which will mean that light smacking (or the equivalent) will be the only permissible physical discipline that parents will legally be able to use. This accords with the views of the public.

Remember, a petition for a Citizens Initiated Referendum on the issue has been announced. If the Bill becomes law, and that is still far from clear at the moment, and you are opposed to Sue Bradford’s Bill, make sure you sign the petition. If there are 300,000 signatures there will be a referendum so you can vote on this issue at the 2008 election.

Events

John Key Cocktail Function

Guest Speaker National Party Leader John Key

4-6pm, Saturday 17 March

The Lake House

Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna

$50 per person

This function is the North Shore electorate’s premier event for 2007. It will be an opportunity for you to hear John Key's vision for the future. Please send payment to the National Party at PO Box 33017, Takapuna by 10 March.

Southern AGM

March 19 2007

Belmont Rose Centre

School Road, Belmont

7.30pm

Electorate AGM

March 26 2007

St Georges Presbyterian Church

2 The Terrace, Takapuna

7.30pm

16 March 2007

Dr Wayne Mapp

Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz

ENDS