The Government is pledging to tighten sentencing for crimes against children.
Justice Minister Simon Power says he wants to amend the Sentencing Act to deal with the issue of children as victims.
Mr Power says at present, the age and vulnerability of a victim is considered an aggravating factor, but he wants this made a specific reference point at the time of sentencing.
He says the length of sentences for this type of offending have generally resulted in a manslaughter conviction, rather than a murder conviction.
Mr Power will meet with justice officials on Thursday.
