Plunket weighs into smacking debate

Plunket says it will campaign in support of legislation that would scrap parents' right to use "reasonable force" to punish their children.

Green MP Sue Bradford's member's bill to repeal section 59 of the Crimes Act, which allows parents a defence of "reasonable force" against an assault charge relating to their child, was drawn from a ballot and will be debated next month.

Plunket New Zealand president Kaye Crowther said 560 delegates at the organisation's national conference yesterday voted strongly in favour of supporting Ms Bradford's bill.

Two years ago delegates had not supported a similar motion.

Ms Crowther said since then delegates had been swayed by several cases of parents who had effectively abused their children and then used section 59 to successfully defend themselves.

"If we want to address abuse and violence in our society then we have to address the legislation that is allowing that to happen."

Allowing parents to "bash" their kids in the name of discipline sent the wrong message, she said. "Getting rid of this law would allow people to focus on the alternatives to hitting or belting."

Ms Bradford welcomed the support. "Plunket has joined ... other organisations and individuals who are seeking an end to a law that has allowed parents to get away with beating their children with whips, canes and pieces of wood."