Poll finds many hit as children

More than one New Zealander in two was belted as a child by parents or guardians, but most continue to believe smacking is justified in some circumstances.

In a Herald-DigiPoll measuring the extent of violence, 55 per cent said that as children they were hit more severely than with an occasional light smack.

More men (61 per cent) than women (50.5 per cent) reported being hit as children, as did more Maori (71 per cent).

Pacific Islanders recorded the next highest incidence at 64.3 per cent, while 54 per cent of Pakeha said they had been belted.

However, the rate of child-beating is dropping, with 60.6 per cent of those aged over 55 saying they were hit as children, compared with 51.6 per cent between 18 and 34.

Three-quarters believe there are times when smacking children is justified and right, a view slightly more popular with men (77.5 per cent) than women (74.8 per cent).

More Maori (82.3 per cent) find smacking acceptable in some circumstances than Pakeha, who recorded 76.1 per cent support. Fewer Pacific Islanders (64.3 per cent) said it could be justified.

New Zealand First voters are most relaxed about smacking, with 84.2 per cent agreeing there are times when it is right, compared with 70.4 per cent of Alliance voters. The poll of 860 people has a 3.3 per cent margin of error.