13 Oct 2012

All children, not just Maori, targetted - Turia

10:45 pm on 13 October 2012

Whanau Ora Minister Tariana Turia says Government proposals to combat child abuse are about improving the lives of all children, not just those who are Maori.

Greater information sharing between government agencies, a database to profile at-risk children, and more training for teachers and doctors to spot signs of abuse are among the $20 million proposals announced on Thursday.

Mrs Turia says it is time New Zealanders focussed on preventing child abuse deaths rather than continually revisiting tragedies like the deaths of Nia Glassie and the Kahui twins.

She says those children should be left to rest in peace, and the country should get on with ensuring such deaths are not repeated.