20 March 2009
Smacking law benefits Maori children

Media Release: Te Kahui Mana Ririki
Te Kahui Mana Ririki Chair, Dr Hone Kaa, says that the current law about smacking benefits Maori whanau.

'Maori children are twice as likely as other groups to experience some form of child maltreatment, and smacking is simply another expression of violence against children.

'The law as it stands sends a clear signal to our parents that smacking is not OK, and this position needs to be maintained.'

Dr Kaa said he is concerned about Act MP John Boscawen's private member's bill which would make light smacking legal.

'This would be a retrograde step. We are currently delivering training to Maori around positive parenting and the alternatives to smacking, and there is definite shift amongst our people away from the use of physical discipline with children.

'We must maintain this momentum and works towards eliminating Family Violence which is so rife in our whanau and communities.'

ENDS