Nation's children get their day

By CATHERINE MASTERS

TV and radio personality Kerre Woodham and her daughter, Kate, are still negotiating what they will do together on October 29, the country's first Children's Day.

Presenter Lana Coc-Kroft and her son, Damien, have a large extended family and plan a big get-together.

Social Services Minister Steve Maharey will spend some time "getting out" with his godson, Benjamin, and the boy's new dog.

Yesterday, along with other celebrities, they signed a banner at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, pledging to celebrate the children in their lives by doing something special with them on Children's Day.

Mr Maharey told the gathering his own childhood was "almost too magical," growing up in a country which had always prided itself on being a great place for family.

But the recent wave of child abuse cases which had captured the public should never be forgotten.

"Child abuse is something that no one in this country should ever, ever find an excuse for because there are no excuses to be had."

He believes people have reached a point where they have had enough and this time the issue will not fade away.

"What we have to say to New Zealanders is that in this country we do not hurt children. It's just something we don't do in New Zealand."

One of the celebrities who signed the banner was Liz Gunn, who along with actor Lucy Lawless, is campaigning to stop child abuse.

They formed an action group which has attracted a new member, former All Black Michael Jones, and are endorsing the Safe and Sound Appeal to raise money for a multi-agency centre to open near the Starship children's hospital, and ensure key child abuse agencies work together across the country.

The Mayor of Auckland, Christine Fletcher, will hold a lunch forum on October 30, the day after Children's Day, to raise funds for the Safe and Sound Appeal.

Speaking will be Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, chief executive of the National Collective of Women's Refuges and Dr Patrick Kelly, clinical leader of the Starship Whakaruruhau Child Abuse Unit.

To donate to the Starship Foundation/Sky City Safe and Sound Appeal, telephone 0800 942 000, PO Box 91939, Auckland Mail Centre.