More than 1000 people are expected to attend a peaceful rally at Napier Courthouse on the day those charged with the manslaughter of toddler Moko Rangitoheriri are sentenced.
Last August, Moko died after being kicked, slapped, stomped on and bitten over several weeks by Tania Shailer and David Haerewa, who had been entrusted to care for him. The pair had originally been charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and will be sentenced on Monday.
While Napier rally co-ordinator Louise Parsons said she and others were hoping the nationwide rallies would help change the law, there would be those who attended Napier's rally simply to show their love and support for Moko.
The peaceful rally was a way for people to connect with the issue, and was the first step to protect children in New Zealand.
At 9.30am, Ms Parsons will give a speech held simultaneously at other nationwide rallies, followed by speakers including Napier City and Hastings District councillors, Hastings Women's Refuge manager Julie Hart, and 12-year-old St Patricks student Charlotte Grant, who will read her award-winning speech about child abuse.
