Media Release

31 July 2009

Costly referendum aimed at turning back the clock

“New Zealand politicians achieved a significant step in reducing violence to children when they supported the 2007 children discipline law” says Beth Wood, long time campaigner for positive and peaceful parenting and spokesperson for EPOCH (End Physical Punishment of Children). “I believe we are already seeing a change in the way children are regarded and treated in New Zealand”.

“But instead of accelerating positive change with public education about the law and increased support for parents, New Zealand is spending a vast amount of money on a referendum aimed at pressuring politicians to turn back the clock”

“We do not need a message in law that says any hitting of children is ok.  Reintroducing a statutory defence for those parents who actually get to court for hitting children would be a backward step in our efforts to reduce violence to children” says Beth.

“Voting papers will start arriving in letter-boxes today.  Vote yes to secure a law that protects children”.

ends

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