Media release
4 February 2009

Minister urges compassion as Curtis brothers are sentenced

Chair of Te Kahui Mana Ririki Dr Hone Kaa said that the sentencing of the Curtis brothers today was another sad reminder of complexities of child abuse.

‘These young men were themselves the products of difficult childhoods, and are an example of the cycle of deprivation and abuse so prevalent amongst Maori.’Dr Kaa said.

‘While we cannot excuse what they have done, we must also remember that punitive sentences do not guarantee rehabilitation.’

‘I pray for these boys and their redemption.’

ENDS

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