3 May 2016

Children’s lives should not be bargained over in Court

The Māori Party is concerned children’s lives are not being valued appropriately in the Justice system.

Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said the loss of a child’s life must be taken seriously and that the lives of tamariki should not be bargained over in Court.

“Constituents are contacting us concerned about a recent case in Taupō where two adults were given a plea bargain in relation to their responsibility for the death of a three-year-old.”

“If the public is to have faith in the Justice system, decisions like this need to be explained.”

Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox said: “The outcome of this case has made many of our constituents feel the Justice system doesn’t care about our mokopuna. This needs to change.”

“Too many of our children are vulnerable and we need to know that we have a system in place to protect them.”

ENDS

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