Violence talks to go on minus National

Cross-party talks on family violence initiatives will continue despite the National Party pulling out, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope says.

The cross-party talks were initiated in June following the violent deaths of 3-month-old Mangere twins Chris and Cru Kahui.

The talks aimed to help tackle family violence, but their value has been thrown into doubt by the National decision on Wednesday to withdraw.

National families spokeswoman Judith Collins said she believed the group was set up to contribute to initiatives, but it seemed to be achieving little.

There were few or no set goals and members were often hearing about upcoming initiatives through the media.

National did not need a glorified briefing from officials, she said.

But Mr Benson-Pope said National misunderstood the nature of the talks and had been contributing little anyway.

"National has provided no feedback or positive contribution at any time. Other parties have."

The group would continue without National's input.

Mr Benson-Pope said Mrs Collins was confusing the role of the multi-party group with the Taskforce for Action and Violence within Families.

It was the role of the taskforce - made up of chief executives from Government departments and the corporate sector - to lead initiatives on eliminating family violence.

In contrast, the role of the cross-party group was to "share ideas" on how to address family violence, he said.

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner questioned whether National's withdrawal was motivated by party politics.

"Family violence is such a fundamental issue affecting the health of New Zealand society that it is vital we achieve the greatest possible political consensus on how to deal with it," she said.

"My fear is that National's Judith Collins has withdrawn from the group for immediate political point-scoring."

National Network of Stopping Violence Services national manager Brian Gardner said women and children were continuing to be murdered while the forum foundered.

"We want a commitment that transcends individual parties so that if the Government changes, the determination to reduce and prevent family violence stays the same," Mr Gardner said.

The National Network is an umbrella organisation for 33 agencies working with people affected by family violence.

- NZPA