Moko's mother Nicola Dally-Paki on sentence for her son's killers: 'It's pre-meditated murder'

The mother of 3-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri says she is not satisfied with her son's killers' sentence and will do her best to make sure they stay behind bars.

Speaking on TV3's Story programme, Nicola Dally-Paki said she regarded what her former friend and partner did to her son as pre-meditated murder. Their sentence should have reflected that, she said.

"I accept it [the sentence]. [But] I am not satisfied by it.

Moko Rangitoheriri.

"I will be going to every parole hearing and opposing their parole every time they apply. I want them to do life for the gruesome [act] they did to my child."

Ms Dally-Paki's former friend Tania Shailer and her partner, David Haerewa, were today sentenced to 17 years in jail, with a minimum of nine years, for the manslaughter of Moko last year.

Moko Rangitoheriri's mother Nicola Dally-Paki delivers a victim impact statement during the sentencing of Tania Shailer and David Haerewa. Photo / Ben Fraser

Referring to Justice Sarah Katz' decision, Ms Dally-Paki said it was not good enough.

"It's pre-meditated murder. For that judge to sit there and give out what she gave out - which I respect and accept - it's not good enough as a mum. As Moko's mum.

"She could've done more. She has the power and the position. She sat in that seat, in that hot spot, in that moment in that time. She could've made a better decision. A life sentence.

"Moko never comes back. What they did to Moko never ever changes. After 17 years he's still gone."