KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Concerned about our kids
Invest in programmes, why? We have the 2nd highest teenage pregnancies in the OECD and Maoris will only call another hui and another hui. The only MP I know who has actually walked into a violent home and confronted the issues is Dr Pita Sharples and what did that do, nothing. He was a one man band the rest of his colleagues are too scared. DV in the home is dangerous and child abuse in the homes is dangerous. Communities are not safe and it is a lot safer to contact 0800 FAMILY then it is to tell someone to stop abusing a child. Who wants to take that risk?
Jessica
Yes, DC of Wellington it is easy for some of us 'white middle class people to blame Maori for this problem'. I have come across many people in my time,irrespective of race, (my father included) who grew up in extreme poverty & none of these people treat children so disgustingly. Yes life is indeed harder when your poor but when are people like you going to stop making excuses!
Politically Incorrect (Wellington)
How long before this PC-mad government wakes up and address the real causes of child abuse? And I don't mean some ideologically inspired claptrap about smacking; the real abusers ignore the law anyway. Bob McCroskie, Larry Baldock and Gordon Copeland were right all along. We need to investigate the real causes of child abuse: poverty, substance abuse, and the breakdown of the traditional family unit.It's time to get the PC goggles off, and get real. 80 per cent of New Zealanders understand this. And it's time the government does too.
Fed up
The cause and solutions are so obvious, but PC abnegation of societal responsibility shows we don't care. Remove the treaty from CYPFs policy - and increase Govt surveillance. Self determination isn't wise when you aren't up to it. Stop the fetal alcohol syndrome afflicting the Maori race and fueling such braindead behaviour in a sizeable section of that population. Re-open alcohol and drug treatment centres so "Parents can get sorted. In the meantime whip their kids a million miles away from dysfunctional whanau.Rewrite the law saying at risk kids must be placed in back in their own sick family culture even if only one step removed from the abusers (who always seem to get them back, when the benefit is wanted).Remove the Treaty from all care and protection legislation. Or stop misapplying it by giving people enough rope to hang this countries kids. The effort not to be "racist" is killing kids - we can't leave Maori in isolation setting them up to fail, no matter how much they may want it.
Aroha
To the public that have condemned the entire Maori race and the Maori Party leaders for the actions of a few I have this to say. Thank you for stating the obvious and continually repeating the same statistics we have all heard on the news.
As a young Maori woman I found it very useful to be blamed for the crimes of people I do not know and have never met. I applaud your condemnation and lack of any useful advice that could tell me how I can solve this problem "that Maori people have". Oh wait thats right...you didn't have any answers either? Funny how you think so little of Maori yet you expect us to solve child abuse issues. Here's an idea...how about all the non-Maoris living in Aotearoa get together and come up with the solution, then you can explain it to "us Mow-rees" in simple terms (so we can understand it) then we can "stand up and be counted" and take care of the child abuse issues that are happening around the country.
Tony Smith
I am confused about 6 months ago a bill was passed through parliment that Sue Bradford assured us would be instrumental in ending this type of abuse, it obviously has not! When are we going to see her resignation along with that of Helen Clark
Peter (Hamilton)
Just stop paying New Zealanders to breed...its like a tele if you cant afford it you cant have it.( I suppose some finance company might offer 100 per cent)
Lester Williams (Wellington)
There's a lot of talk about Maori responsibility for abuse. But let's be specific, it is almost all Maori men. What is it about Maori men that makes them want to bash and abuse? Further, what is it that makes them resort to drink and drugs, both likely to fuel abuse. Are these the problems that need solving - rather than the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff?Does NZ have an equivalent to the UK ASBO (Antisocial Behaviour Order)? Would that help?
Kirsten
How about as a nation rather than condemn the individuals who do this because lets be real the govt is not going to do anything to them, we take care of the children who suffer at their hands. I personally would like to know where I can donate, time/money/gifts anything to go towards these kids.
Raq
Every single person in those homes where the abuse was taking place should all be charged and sentenced at least 20 years behind bars. Every child that they have had or any future children they may have should be put up for adoption and not allowed to go to extended family, where the abuse may continue. There are lovely loving people out there that can not have children and would love too. Unfortunately there are not many children out there to adopt now days because their biological parents would rather keep them so they can get a benefit to spend on booze and drugs. I am so sickened by it all - they are mongrels!
Sue Harrison
Put birth control in their P!
Joanne
Why is everyone focusing on the fact these people are Maori and not on the real issue that is a child has been grossly abused. Also there are many families out there with single parents who are on the benefit and do not treat their children this way... lets move away from stereotyping. You'll find there are a lot of wealthy, white, upper class families with the same issues. Domestic violence is everywhere not just Maoris on the benefit!
Greg (Auckland)
This is what happens when laws are just used to resolve social problems, One of Labour's social engineering paradigms. The only things that will fix family violence is for people to stand up and take responsibility for their actions; or others to take a stand against those that commit crimes against their own family or 'partners' family. Sure education, lifestyle play a part but without anybody being responsible for there actions then thats worthless.
Adam
The Maori tribes need to take more responsibility for their own people. Various tribes have been given billion dollar handouts over the past two decades and it seems to me that they have not used the money to help their own people. I am angry that we funded this trash in Rotorua all these years (on the dole) and now will have to pay again to lock them up. We need to stop money handouts to poor people, we need to think of other benefits and make them count. We need to be more involved in how the money is spent and where. The people who tortured Nia will be out by 2010 and again will be back on welfare money, free to torture other people. Abuse is everyone's business and shame on all those people who knew of what was happening and did nothing. Sometimes you need to be brave even if the neighbours scare you. I am extremely pessimistic over this situation.
Rick
We (the people and the Government) spend several decades reviving and glorifying a stone-age culture, centered around a victim mentality and then wonder why said ethnic group ends up being NZ biggest under achievers in all things important within a modern society.We all are responsible for this travesty, we put un-tested pro multi-culturalism ahead of progress and what was in the best intersest of NZ society in general.Orthodox Maori culture needs to be confined solely to the history books and not spoon feed as a viable modern age alternative. At the very least people need to start prioritizing the interest of children ahead of honouring the past.
Ken
The national scandal is the failure to identify and openly discuss the real issues of child abuse. It is predominantly a Maori and Polynesian problem and until there is open discussion on this specifically, the problem will not go away. Targeted help, training and support as well as a local community keeping a close watch on all its children is the only answer. The culprits for the recent cases are Sue Bradford and Helen Clark, they stupidly pushed through the anti-smacking bill were they were frequently quoted as saying that parents who smacked their children were assaulting them. Few would say that a smack and a beating were one and the same and no-one except these two really believed that child violence would stop as a result of this law.Now the teaching profession acknowledges that discipline started to decline when corporal punishment stopped in schools, it will only worsen now that moderate disciplining is outlawed at home.The PC brigade are the ones causing the decline in our society, they need to be challenged and held accountable for their actions, as do the thugs who abuse and beat their children.
Richard
I am ashamed to read some of the answers here which think violence against those who abuse children is the answer. To me that just makes those people as bad as the abusers.Child abuse is not an ethnic problem, it is a problem that is in our society, and it knows no race, it exists in maori, european, asian, etc communities. And it is as a community we need to tackle it. People need to know their neighbours, know when something is wrong, know when they are stressed and need help or if a child is in danger. Parents need to take parenting classes before they have their child and be licensed to parent, yes licensed, a child is far more important than the other things you need a license for. Lessons in parenting, stress relief, anger management, basic first aid and hygiene. And a return of the Plunket nurses in a greater capacity. This is a complex problem, there is no quick fixes to, but we need to start at an early age and start teaching children of all ages at school anger management, stress relief, etc.
Roger
We think this violent blot on our Country is shocking . This is a Maori problem . Let`s not hide behind PC & lets be upfront . Why is this problem not being taken control of by State Agencies who should be doing so ? The cult of violence is too much part of the Kiwi way . from tv : video games : rugby (union & league) : gangs : crime : anger : poverty .That`s a start .
S Heath
Child abuse is not a national problem and it is not caused by poverty. Having come from a state housing community I can attest that the poorer families amongst us did not practice child abuse. The most any of us kids would get was a clip round the ear. (nearly always deserved) The majority of these abuses come from the Maori community. Until Maori leaders stand up, take ownership and stop blaming everyone else the appalling situation will continue.What is it within the Maori culture that condones this practice or what is missing from members of that culture that they practice these behaviours without remorse?
Jaso
Maori males have a sickening culture of violence which is deeply in-grained in NZ. Lets look at the gang culture which is so attractive for so many Maori youth. How do they achieve their peers respect and any self-worth - yes through being tough and being good at giving the bash. Let's look at the education system, yes it is another statistic that most Maori males are finished from school by the age of 16 with little to no skills to survive in a place such as NZ or any industrialized country. What do they have to offer a girl friend, a wife, a family, NZ society and most importantly how do they achieve any self-dignity and self respect...as you quessed "a big fat nothing". What control do these men have in their life ? Little to no control at all. They can only push around and control their women and the kids in their care, these males are volatile, they are confused and they are intoxicated. They have no self-respect nor do they respect others. Who looks up to these guys ? Yes the little ones, they watch and learn all of their anti-social behaviour and thus continue this cycle of destruction. It's time for Maori men to stand up and take accountability for their cruel behaviour.
Phillipa (Auckland)
Why does this have to be a race issue for some people? - I am Maori and have two beautiful children who I have never raised a hand to in my life, I know lots of other Maori parents who like myself raise their children in a loving and kind environment. Why should I be blamed for these sick monsters behaviour solely on the basis that I am the same race? If a European person commits a violent and brutal crime - should all European people stand up and take the blame and responsibility?
A real mother (Auckland)
Let's stop beating around the bush! Doesn't matter who you are, race, social economic, religion, you never harm a child. There is nothing in the world that can justify the actions of the animals that are killing our children. Hard jail time for so called parents/caregivers that kill these children, its never manslaughter, its murder! Life for a life! Life sentences for these people who do not deserve to live a life has the one they have taken will never have. New Zealand government needs a wake up call on this issue, how many more babies have to die, how many more beautiful faces do we have to look at in our newspaper only to find they have been murdered by the people who are meant to love and protect them. Get hard New Zealand enough is enough.Im a real mother, I love and protect my son with everything I have, lets hope others will do the same so we dont see our beautiful children hurt anymore.
Stacey
My mokopuna is 2 and 1/2 years old. Every morning when she awakes, sometimes grumpy, we go through a routine of a bit of TV while Mum gets brekkie ready then change into clean clothes and up on the kitchen table for breakfast - toast, cereal and milo normally. Then its on with gloves, coat and hat and into the car seat for the short trip to kohanga reo. Then its out of the car with her bag for the day and check in to kohanga. We know that she will have mihimihi with her class mates, a morning ritual of greetings and karaki with all the adults at the wananga head office across the way. She will be fed, have a moe,have cuddles, play and probably have a tantrum or two, or a squabble with one of the other kids. Because of the weather there will be a lot of inside time, waiata, kapahaka and reading. Have you read Ka Pai kiwi, we have, a half dozen times a night because thats currently her favourite story.Evening routine includes bathtime, freshly laundered PJ's and dinner around the table, everyone sits while our moko says karakia. Bed time in her own bed in her parents room at 8.00pm and always..kisses all round..don't forget I love you! We are a typical Maori/Kiwi family.
Robs (Auckland)
For years many undeserving New Zealanders have been 'handed' various benefits far far too easily. For example, obviously, the DPB. For many, though not all, of the recipients it's just far too easy to have an unwanted baby and get paid for it. Then there's another unwanted baby and another handout! And so it goes on and on. Isn't it obvious that this has to stop?f a baby is wanted then surely there's more chance that it will be looked after!It's not only Maori who are guilty of child abuse; however it seems that it is often those offenders who are Maori appear to be treated with so much caution just to avoid accusations of 'Maori bashing'etc etc that some now perceive themselves as 'above the law' or should I say 'above Pakeha law.' It's just too easy to cry 'racial prejudice.'At the same time we do have to remember not to over generalise. Hopefully most Maori are disgusted with this rate of child abuse in our beautiful country, as are most other New Zealanders.
We are all 'New Zealanders,' regardless of colour or race and therefore should all be treated the same and answer to the same laws.And I am part Maori and quite proud of it (most of the time.)
Sonia
As with the abuse of Aboriginal children in Australia it is clear that child abuse is correlated with and a part of a larger group of issues including poverty, drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, domestic violence, low self esteem, lack of self determination, lack of community, high crime rate etc. These problems tend to be severely overrepresented among indigenous people all over the world. To simply say Mäori people are prone to bashing their kids is racist and short sighted. You need step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Pita Sharples is right in this sense. The greater problem needs to be addressed, we need to fix the underlying causes. Anyone who harms their children deserves the harshest penalty possible, but this will not prevent future offenders. We need to seek out the heart of the problem and destroy it. All of these problems stem from deep set inequality. We can and need to all play a part in ensuring the future of the tamariki of this country.
Mother from the Mount.
I believe that the offenders and/or parents should be sterilised. I can not understand how some mothers can leave their precious children with anybody with out caring if they will look after then well or not. A 34 years old woman with a 17 years old boy!! That's something wrong already there, in USA would be illegal. Leave her child with someone that probably only thing they have in common is bed time? Maori or not Maori, it doesn't matter, that is not a race problem, it is a behaviour of psycho people caused by lots of drugs, drinks and bad upbringing. Castration and jail, that's what they deserves.
Maori Parent from Hamilton
As a Maori who is proud to be Maori and loves and cares for my kids (as do my relations and friends), I'll take responsibility for so called disproportionate "Maori child abuse" statistics as soon as Pakeha folk take responsibility for their own statistically disproportionate rates of child abuse in paedophilia and child porn smuggling. What use is pointing the finger at Maori as a whole.
Richard Wallis
We need a public outcry of such proportion, that any governing body knows that the law must be changed to ensure that punishment for abuse of the nation's children, or any children, is so punitive that the perpetrators will not dare to risk flouting it. This should be the demand of the people of this nation to those seeking office to govern. It should be supported by comprehensive training for all new parents and certification for existing.
Rachael
What about a national 0800 number where people can anonymously dob in others they suspect of child abuse? Run an advertising campaign and encourage people to contact CYFs or the police if abuse is suspected. Generally, people don't know who to contact as well as have no any confidence that their concerns will be heard and dealt with by CYFs.
Lizzy
Why not get Sue Bradford on the case - she can punish the majority again, just to stop the minority offending. She could make it illegal for people to have children altogether - that will solve the problem!
JPS (Dunedin)
Stop the morally inferior criminal underclass from breeding. Anything less is pandering to the failed "ambulance at the bottom of the cliff" mentality.
Rhea
There are many Maori and Pacific families who love and cherish their children, this disproves the idea that child abuse is related to ethnicity. I think poverty and isolation from a supportive community or extended family may be a cause. People then begin to think that it doesn't matter what they do as no-one will catch them, early intervention from concerned family members or neighbours is absolutely vital to keep children safe. These vulnerable children need to be removed from a culture of violence before it becomes a way of life for them. It takes a whole village to raise a child!
Paul Evans-Mcleod
Do a full page spread on all these views publish every one of them and send all to MPs including the Maori mps and demand answers and actions.
C
I think basic parenting skills and basic human kindness are missing in some of today's parents. We learn by example, and if we've had no example, or a bad one, sometimes that's not the best. Some of this basic care on what young babies and toddlers require needs to be taught in school in some form. It's also connected to our bad cultural of drink and drugs. You can't deny that.
Robin
I expect this will again become a political issue, again promises will be made, and again nothing will happen. For those that want change, don't get you hopes up, we have seen it all before. If the current government or opposition parties were genuine, they would be introducing tougher penalties for these horrific crimes right now.
Lee (Waitakere)
Helen Clark is a joke. Same old 'It's everybody else but my fault' smoke-screen whenever anything goes wrong. How long has she been in power now? If ever there was a National disgrace, it is the rise of the moral and economic poverty of certain people on her watch.
Paraparaumu
It's about time that the police stop pussy-footing around with these types of crime. It is unbelievable that people can torture, main and kill babies and toddlers, and then not speak to the police, and get away with it. For Christ's sake, arrest these people, convict them of murder (that's what it is), throw them in jail and throw away the key. These people need to pay for their crimes now, and not be treated as someone special, just because they're Maori.
Fed Up
Sick, sick, sick. I understand that obviously the perpetrators probably had similar upbringings, however - I ask you - what kind of sick person would put a child in a tumble dryer? 4.5 years for the 'manslaughter' of that poor little Ngati, even after all the evidence and the photos of the deceased, is laughable. These people are monsters. If they are from another country they should be deported immediately (so taxpayers don't fork out $$ to keep them in Helen's cushy prisons). If they are national, they should get locked up with a life sentence.
Richard
I am a white, middle-aged, middle-class, male that drives an SUV and has an investment property. Just blame this problem on me, and then hopefully you will feel better about yourselves.
Rob (Auckland)
Sue we have banned spanking children, has it helped? Let's face it someone that abuses a child is not going to worry about the law as they really don't care. A parent giving a child a light spank will worry about having there child taken from them. Some that abuses there child does not really care. It is just a convenient punching bag. Let's take the abusers put them in the ring with a few world heavy weights tie them up and see how they getting what they give out.
Davo (Mt Eden)
All that time and money wasting PC rhetoric from Sue and Helen, and this is what we end up with. Let's face it, Labour/Green social policies have failed. Shame on you and shame on us for electing you. Resignations are due. Let's hope some real leaders, with real balls, will stand up and take real action (and let's hope some of them are from the Maori party).
Misty
I think for all cases like this, the mongrels should be tortured exactly the same as they did to their victims. They may be too big for a tumble dryer, but a concrete mixer would do the trick
Maggee
I agree with Jane from Auckland. My husband and I, also not able to have a child together have gone through years of jumping through hoops for adoption thru CYFS. Because the birth mothers are being encouraged to keep their children, saying this is always the better option, there are very few babies available for us to share our life and love with, now we have gone to apply to adopt from overseas. I contacted Cindy Shiro last time this abuse was highlighted and said why must children stay within their culture...if I married a Maori man, would my children and I not be accepted into the culture? Would I not be able to raise my children in the Maori culture? So if I adopted a Maori child, could my husband and I not do the same thing? Why couldn't we raise our child with both their Maori family and their adopted family? Her reply which I have saved, was insulting to me and gave the opinion she was close minded. It is not always true that adoption is in the best interest of the child, but it is clear that staying with the birth mother is clearly not the best option either. We must stop separation of culture, become one nation of New Zealanders and protect ALL of our children!
Michael (Auckland.)
As usual this will be talked about for a few days and then forgotten. When is something going to be done about this? When? when? when?The worst part of this is that we only get to see the tip of the iceberg!
Sonya
What they did to Nia is truly horrendous. And I'm sick of reading about stories like this.
Rule 1: if you're under 18 and do the wild thing, and find yourself pregnant, your options are termination or adoption, closed adoption, none of this PC be part of the childs life crap. Let the people who have tried for years to have kids, and go through pure madness to prove they are good people, have the opportunity to nurture this child. Rule 2: if you're in the system and you screw up, abuse you're child, take drugs, rip the benefit system off, then your kids are taken off you and you are sterilised, simple. If you do something stupid and put your kids lives in jeopardy you don't deserve them. And by taking them off you I mean they are adopted out, not given to the family to receive yet more abuse. And Sue Bradford you're welcome to steal my ideas. And I really don't care what race you are from, children are gifts, from someone who has struggled to have kids, reading about these monsters breaks my heart. Give the kids to those people who actually care about them and can give them a life. Then maybe we will be able to break the cycle.
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