Violence most important issue, says Dame Silvia

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright has thrown her weight behind efforts to eliminate family violence in Northland, describing it as the single most significant issue facing both Maori and Pakeha today.

It was not just an issue of physical and emotional safety, but one of equality and justice.

She made the comments at the launch of Northland's Amokura Whanau Kaitiakitanga programme against family violence in Whangarei on Saturday.

Dame Silvia told the audience of 150 that Maori women had traditionally been referred to as Te Wharetangata, the carrier of future generations.

"Instead of being considered tapu [sacred] for this reason, for too long they have occupied an inferior position because of the violence they have sustained. It is time to restore and empower them to resume their respected place in society."

Dame Silvia has witnessed first-hand the impact of family violence in Northland.

As both a Family Court and High Court judge she had seen how Maori women and children had "suffered grievously" from the effects of whanau violence.

"The single most significant issue facing Maori and Pakeha society today is controlling and eliminating violence against those who should be nurtured and loved by their whanau and families," she said.

Studies showed abused women were less able to mother their children and less able to earn an income to support their families.

They had low esteem, poor health and never reached their full potential.

The programme devised by Te Hau Ora o Te Tai Tokerau will receive $3 million from the Government over the next 2 1/2 years.

Amokura kaumatua Tapihana Shelford said men needed to remember that "when you kick the wife around or the partner around you're kicking the wharetangata, you're kicking your children."

- NZPA