Minister rebukes Maori over child abuse

As a battered Whangarei toddler fights for her life, debate rages about the safety of children in New Zealand and the causes of child abuse.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia yesterday said the Maori community had to accept responsibility for the abusive environment causing the "abhorrent" incidents.

Last week, a 23-month-old Maori toddler died in Carterton after being sexually abused, scalded with hot liquid and beaten before being taken to hospital by relatives.

The Whangarei girl is also Maori.

The incidents come weeks after a damning report into the killing of toddler James Whakaruru and the release of welfare statistics showing Maori children are about five times more likely to be abused than Pakeha children.

The recent cases of child abuse have reignited debate about its causes - whether they are cultural, racial or poverty-based.

Mr Horomia said it was time Maori "took ownership" of the problem.

"It's a problem with all New Zealanders, and statistics are out that say it's a worse problem in Maoridom.

"As far as I am concerned, I will talk about it and I will say that leaders and family members have to get their act together with professionals to do something about this gory practice. It's not on."

Te Atiawa spokesman Peter Love went further than most, calling on authorities to remove Maori children in care from Maori families.

Mr Love said Maori children's own families were no longer safe places.

Whanau should be screened "more rigorously, I would suggest, because many of them are unsuitable parents.

"From my perspective, it is an appalling state of affairs which is intolerable to our culture, historical or otherwise."