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New Zealand is in denial about its violence problem, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has said following the killing of a South Auckland woman on Christmas Day.
He said this latest death should be a wake-up call for the country.
Atonauga Seau, 42, was found dead in bed at her home in Otara by one of her children after an alcohol-fuelled dispute turned violent.
Her husband, Kaleti Seau, 43, faced a charge of murder in Manukau District Court yesterday.
Dr Sharples said New Zealand needed to face up to its problems.
"Is this the New Zealand Christmas we have come to expect?" he said. "Are we in denial about the level of violence in our society?"
Dr Sharples said it was time to focus on preventing violence.
"I believe we find the whole situation abhorrent. We have handled it by denial -- it is not our problem, it is a drug problem, a Maori problem, an Islander problem -- instead of taking this on as a New Zealand problem which at all levels of our society we need to confront," he said.
National Manager for Women's Refuge Heather Henare has said the centres would be full over the holiday period.
In court yesterday Seau's family wept as he sat impassively in the dock during his short court appearance.
At one stage the sobs of one of his sons drowned out proceedings.
The son also shouted abuse at his father in Samoan.
Seau was remanded in custody until January 9.
- NZPA
