KEY POINTS:
Maori have a responsibility to combat violence, but those who single Maori out for blame are naive, said Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.
Speaking at the launch of the Ngati Kahungunu Violence Free Strategy at Ruahapia Marae in Hastings, he said recent cases of children dying after abuse were horrific.
The deaths of baby twins Chris and Cru Kahui last year and toddler Nia Glassie this month caused national outrage and sparked debate about violence within Maori communities.
United Future leader Peter Dunne called on Maori to act and Labour MP Dover Samuels said severe child abuse was predominantly a Maori issue.
"It is a Maori issue. Maori are over-represented in the child abuse statistics. Every time we hear of another child abuse case, everybody gets on their bandwagon and starts pointing the finger. It's a cop-out," Mr Samuels said.
Mr Horomia said outrage was understandable.
"In the fresh, raw and horrific circumstances of these innocent, baby victims, I suppose it is inevitable that fingers are pointed," he said.
"But this Government will not be drawn into a false debate on abuse as a problem only for Maori - all our communities have urgent work to do to own up to this issue."
He said people who dismissed violence as a Maori problem were naive.
Mr Horomia praised the new strategy as a Maori response to family violence.
The strategy aimed to take a co-ordinated approach to combat violence in the Ngati Kahungunu areas. Research would be done and goals set for better co-ordination with government and other agencies.
Te Puni Kokiri supported the strategy's development and gave advice.
"Today's launch is a great milestone for the iwi. It is also a great example for Maori and for New Zealand," Mr Horomia said.
"Everyone is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our communities.
"All of us must be vigilant, responsible and have zero tolerance for violence."
- NZPA
