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  • Anti-smacking law insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga

    “That’s some of the reasons why the ACT party stands for the repeal of this anti-smacking legislation, and that’s why I do too,” said Mr Tashkoff Press Release: Friday, 26 June 2009
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  • BIG NEWS Report: Barnardos asks kids about smacking, and lies about the research”… Why? In order to promote their VoteYes Campaign?

    By admin | July 3, 2009

    Barnardos have been interviewing New Zealand children by phone to see what they think about getting smacked. The question they asked:

    Do you think that adults who are taken to court for hitting a child should be let off if they say they were disciplining the child?”

    ……. The kids had to push 1 if they should be let off 2 if they think they should not be let off, 3 if they don’t know and 4 to hear the question again. Just over half said they should not be let off. Many probably didn’t understand what ” let off” meant- ……..Nor is it clear whether “adults” included strangers.

    They interviewed stressed kids who called the What’s Up hotline, a hotline for kids to talk about anything they wish, including abuse. While the kid was waiting to speak to a real person, they were given an automated message with the above question. That’s a little like asking turkeys on the 15 December whether they are looking forward to Christmas. There was only a 10% valid response rate.

    Barnardos’ media release [on their 'research' - used to promote their Yes Vote Campaign in the Citizen's Initiated Referendum] says it asked kids about whether adults should be able to claim a legal defence for assault. They lied. They asked if adults should be let off. But if these adults are not parents or caregivers of the smacked kid they never had a legal defence [to be let off], ever. Let off means a case is dropped or they’re discharged without conviction – not merely being found not guilty. The Barnardos release also says:

    Importantly, many of the callers suggested that parents should be let off with a warning or community service if they perpetrated low levels of violence against children.

    How many? well, just one actually! The report provides all comments provided by the kids – quoting just 10 children, although it does provide some statements that counsellors said the kids had made. But ONLY ONE said parents should be let off with a warning, and NONE said parents should be charged, let alone prosecuted or have community service.

    Barnardos should really stop lying to the media.

    For more go to : http://big-news.blogspot.com/2009/06/barnardos-ask-kids-about-smacking-and.html

    Topics: Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | No Comments »

    Family Integrity #460 — Before you VOTE in the Referendum consider this

    By admin | July 3, 2009

    Family Integrity #460 — Before you VOTE in the Referendum consider this:

    Greetings

    Before you vote in the Referendum please consider these items below.

    1. Letter to the Prime Minister asking him to withdraw the Referendum:

    In the interests of saving our country most of the estimated $9 million to complete the referendum, Sheryl Savill, the petition proposer, and myself would withdraw the referendum, (as per Sec 22A (1) of the CIR Act 1993) in return for an agreement by yourself to amend the current sec 59 of the crimes Act in the following way.

    Delete the following sub clauses from the amended Sec 59,
    (2) Nothing in subsection (1) or in any rule of common law justifies the use of force for the purpose of correction.
    (3) Subsection (2) prevails over subsection (1),

    Read more at the two links below:

    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/prime-minister-turns-down-offer-to-call-off-referendum/

    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/proposal-to-withdraw-the-referendum/

    2. Sheryl Savill the name behind the petition explains the referendum in 90 Seconds-Youtube:

    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/should-a-smack-be-a-criminal-offence-vote-no/

    3. Read real-life stories of how the Anti-smacking law has hurt Kiwi families….

    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/1044/

    4. Anti-smacking law insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga
    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/anti-smacking-law-insult-to-tino-rangatiratanga/

    5. Simon Barnett Explains the Referendum in 90 Seconds-Youtube
    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/referendum-vote-no/

    6 NZ Correction Referendum: Vote Yes? No! `SATIRE’-Youtube
    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/953/

    7. The NZ `anti-correction law’ and the referendum – your `unemotional’ guide to Section 59—Youtube
    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/the-nz-anti-correction-law-and-the-referendum-your-unemotional-guide-to-section-59-2/

    8. Anti-Smacking Referendum ‘09: ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

    http://familyintegrity.org.nz/2009/1093/
    Please consider these links above before you vote
    and please also take a look at: http://www.voteno.org.nz/

    Please share this information with others. Thanks

    and please also take a look at: http://www.voteno.org.nz/

    Please share this information with others. Thanks

    This is the link to forward on

    Topics: Family Integrity email newsletter, Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | No Comments »

    Anti-Smacking Referendum ‘09: ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

    By admin | July 2, 2009

    Anti-Smacking Referendum ‘09

    ALL THE INFORMATION

    YOU NEED


    …..and NO Copyright!

    The VoteNO.org.nz website has all the information you need regarding the upcoming anti-smacking Referendum including
    frequently asked questions,
    quotes of interest,
    summary of polls,
    summary of media releases on this issue,
    how to enroll,
    background of the Referendum
    even a cartoons page!


    But there are also
    FREE downloadable brochures and posters
    (and banner adverts and sidebar adverts for your blogs and website). The brochures are even in other translations including Maori, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Chinese, and Hindi! Download them - photocopy – and distribute to family and friends!

    So GET THE WORD OUT on what this Referendum is all about.

    There’s no copyright – we won’t sue you for plagiarism! GO FOR YOUR LIFE!! But especially – encourage people to vote!

    We can also make the videos available to show to your group including Simon Barnett, Referendum proposer Sheryl Savill and Maori Child Advocate Bev Adair – simply email us admin@familyfirst.org.nz for the files

    There’s also a blog, we’re on Twitter, and a group of supporters have started a Facebook group

    You may also see our Billboard campaign underway also.

    IT’S ALL GO!

    You may even like to financially support the VoteNO campaign!!

    But at the end of the day, the Referendum is about you having the opportunity to have YOUR say! Help send a strong message to the politicians that they simply cannot ignore.

    Have a great weekend

    Bob McCoskrie
    National Director

    http://www.familyfirst.org.nz

    Topics: Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | No Comments »

    Prime Minister’s claims of referendum question confusion are really confusing!!!

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    “John Key has recently adopted the simplistic tactic of trying to discredit the referendum by complaining about the question being confusing, but the only person that is confused seems to be himself,” said Kiwi Party Leader Larry Baldock.

    “He seems to have forgotten that when the petition was first launched March 1st, 2007 National party MPs were very involved in helping us to collect signatures. Many of them even had the petition in their electorate offices at various places across the country. If they thought the question was confusing why would they help to collect signatures to make the referendum become a reality?
    “And would they have done this without the knowledge and approval of John Key?

    “Unfortunately once the anti-smacking law had been passed after John Key’s amendment deal with Helen Clark the National MPs were told they were no longer allowed to collect signatures.

    “The Prime Minister has often said he didn’t want good parents criminalised for a light smack.
    Prime Minister they now are, so do you want it to remain that way or not? Answer ‘Yes’ if you do, and ‘No’ if you don’t. It is really that simple!

    “The high response or 25,000 people responding in just two weeks to enrol or update their enrolment with the electoral enrolment centre shows that unlike John Key and Phil Goff, Kiwis understand the question and are keen to have their say,” said the petition organiser, Larry Baldock.

    Contact
    Larry Baldock
    021864833

    Topics: Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | No Comments »

    Prime Minister turns down offer to call off referendum

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    Email correspondence released today confirms the Prime Minister John Key turned down an offer to call off the referendum and save taxpayers money.
    Kiwi Party Leader and Petition organiser Larry Baldock said he had made a genuine offer that could have put the whole matter to rest.

    “It seems that the same man who rushed to make a compromise deal with Helen Clark and Sue Bradford in 2007 is no longer interested in finding sensible solutions,” said Mr Baldock

    On April 18th, 2007 John Key’s reported position was very clear when he said, “If Labour really believes that ‘light smacking for the purposes of correction’ will not be outlawed, then they need to explain that. But no matter how you read this bill in its present form it will be illegal to ‘lightly smack for the purposes of correction’.

    Last week, after fudging on the question for more than 4 years, Sue Bradford herself finally admitted on National Radio that every parent who uses a light smack or any reasonable force for the purpose of correction was now a criminal in this country, regardless of whether they are eventually prosecuted or not!

    John Key then went on to say, “The way to send a strong message on child abuse is to make the law clear and precise and then to police it strongly and vigilantly. This bill as it stands does the opposite. For me, a result that sees the criminalisation of parents for a light smack is simply not on the table.”

    In May 2007 the whole nation was shocked by the news that John Key was willing to suddenly change the National party’s position on the anti-smacking law and strike a compromise deal with Helen Clark and Sue Bradford.

    I recall John Key explaining his actions then on the basis that the Anti-smacking law was a bad law, but since the Government had the numbers to pass it anyway, he felt responsible to do what he could to minimise the harm the law could cause to parents and families all over the country.

    Now that he has the power to amend the ‘bad law’ he seems to have completely changed his position and thinks his amendment has made it into a ‘good law’. In the email reply to my offer, Wayne Eagleson wrote, “As the Prime Minister has indicated publicly on a number of occasions, the government is of the view that the current law is working.”

    Perhaps the Prime Minister would take the time to explain to Glenn Groves who was recently convicted of assaulting his 7 year old son for nothing more serious than shoving him in the back, how well his amendment to the ‘bad law’ is working.

    My proposed amendments as outlined in the attached  correspondence (posted below)  would remove the criminalisation of good parents,” said Mr Baldock.

    Ends

    Contact
    Larry Baldock
    021864833

    Topics: Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | 1 Comment »

    Proposal to withdraw the referendum

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    From: Larry Baldock
    Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2009 2:23 pm
    To: Hon. John Key (MIN)
    Cc: Hon. Bill English (MIN); Wayne Eagleson (MIN)
    Subject: Proposal to withdraw the referendum.

    The Prime Minister,
    Parliament Buildings
    Wellington
    June 16, 2009.

    Dear Prime Minister,
    In the interests of saving our country most of the estimated $9 million to complete the referendum, Sheryl Savill, the petition proposer, and myself would withdraw the referendum, (as per Sec 22A (1) of the CIR Act 1993) in return for an agreement by yourself to amend the current sec 59 of the crimes Act in the following way.

    Delete the following sub clauses from the amended Sec 59,
    (2) Nothing in subsection (1) or in any rule of common law justifies the use of force for the purpose of correction.
    (3) Subsection (2) prevails over subsection (1),

    In this way, the criminalisation of parents who use some reasonable force to correct and train their children would be removed, whilst the other clarifications in Subsection (1) of the permissible use of reasonable force would remain.
    Your amendment emphasising the need for the police to use discretion could also remain.

    I would be happy to discuss these proposals with your officials and act promptly to call off the referendum and save the hard-earned money of the taxpayers of New Zealand.

    Yours sincerely,
    Larry Baldock.

    On 18/06/09 11:45 AM, “Wayne Eagleson (MIN)” <Wayne.Eagleson@parliament.govt.nz> wrote:

    Dear Larry,

    The Prime Minister has asked me to reply on his behalf to your email regarding the s59 referendum.

    As the Prime Minister has indicated publicly on a number of occasions, the government is of the view that the current law is working. On that basis, the Prime Minister does not support your proposed changes to the law.

    With respect to the issue of the cost of the referendum, the Prime Minister said in the House yesterday that while he was concerned at having to spend $9 million, with a legal process having triggered the referendum it would be followed through on.

    Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister on this issue.

    Yours sincerely,
    Wayne Eagleson
    Chief of Staff
    Office of the Prime Minister
    Ph: 64 4 817-9365 or 64 21 709 067
    Parliament Buildings
    Wellington

    Topics: Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill | 1 Comment »

    Our ratings among New Zealand blogs – June 09

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    Our ratings among New Zealand blogs – June 09

    FROM:  Open Parachute blog http://openparachute.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/nz-blog-ranks-june-09/

    For more information about these ratings check out the link above at Open Parachute..

    KiwiSmithFamily is rated in the 101-150 blogs in New Zealand.
    The Home Education Foundation and Family Integrity come in at 150-200.
    These sections are in alphabetical order.

    Total Rank

    Change

    Name

    Rank

    Links

    RSS subs

    1

    0

    Kiwiblog

    1

    1

    1

    2

    0

    Public Address

    2

    4

    1

    3

    0

    frogblog

    3

    2

    13

    4

    0

    The Standard 2.02

    4

    3

    16

    5

    1

    Not PC

    5

    7

    11

    6

    3

    TUMEKE!

    7

    12

    17

    7

    -2

    No Right Turn

    31

    9

    3

    8

    0

    The Dim-Post

    10

    21

    13

    9

    -2

    The Inquiring Mind

    18

    14

    53

    10

    0

    Whale Oil Beef Hooked

    53

    5

    46

    11

    1

    Halfdone

    14

    17

    61

    12

    5

    MacDoctor Moments

    17

    25

    51

    13

    12

    MandM

    16

    21

    10%

    14

    -3

    Auckland Daily Photo

    46

    12

    38

    15

    -2

    No Minister

    6

    50

    34

    16

    5

    Open Parachute

    12

    41

    41

    17

    6

    The Wellingtonista

    30

    52

    5

    18

    -4

    Liturgy

    51

    16

    46

    19

    -4

    In a stange land

    47

    28

    24

    20

    39

    Life is not a race to be first finished

    34

    51

    9

    21

    13

    Cactus Kate

    9

    79

    10

    22

    8

    Kiwipolitico

    20

    33

    77

    23

    -5

    Beatie’s Book Blog

    40

    35

    36

    24

    4

    Wellington Daily Photo

    50

    23

    35

    25

    -9

    Jack Yan: The Persuader

    72

    11

    43

    26

    -2

    The Fundy Post

    60

    24

    22

    27

    -7

    New Zeal

    25

    59

    24

    28

    -10

    Nelson Daily Photo

    48

    10

    108

    29

    -7

    The Hand Mirror

    15

    85

    12

    30

    -4

    New Zealand Conservative

    8

    46

    101

    31

    -4

    The visible hand in economics

    13

    31

    148

    32

    7

    Allthings2all

    130

    8

    27

    33

    -2

    Ethical Martini

    26

    45

    69

    34

    27

    Offsetting Behaviour

    37

    55

    39

    35

    -2

    Liberty Scott

    35

    57

    44

    36

    9

    Stephenfranks.co.nz

    43

    47

    46

    37

    -1

    Hot Topic

    27

    53

    74

    38

    -3

    Keeping Stock

    22

    69

    62

    39

    -10

    Derek’s blog

    100

    37

    6

    40

    new

    Artichoke

    123

    30

    3

    41

    6

    Hitting Metal With A Hammer

    44

    38

    85

    42

    1

    Lindsay Mitchell

    24

    63

    81

    43

    19

    Silent running

    66

    6

    182

    44

    -2

    Clint Heine and Friends

    31

    73

    64

    45

    12

    Big News

    19

    62

    127

    46

    -9

    sustain:if:able kiwi

    69

    28

    83

    47

    -15

    Capitalism is bad

    177

    15

    21

    48

    -10

    Radical Cross Stitch

    41

    111

    7

    49

    new

    Lively

    61

    42

    86

    50

    22

    Knowledge Workers

    28

    61

    122

    51

    4

    Media Law Journal

    66

    66

    31

    52

    19

    Educational Origami

    10%

    84

    22

    53

    -3

    Oswald Bastable’s Ranting

    28

    87

    74

    54

    new

    A cat of impossible colour

    52

    86

    33

    55

    -14

    Homepaddock

    11

    130

    40

    56

    -10

    Christchurch Daily Photo

    73

    39

    93

    57

    -6

    from the morgue

    92

    49

    57

    10%

    -4

    Reading the Maps

    68

    68

    49

    59

    -19

    Poneke’s Weblog

    36

    132

    8

    60

    -7

    Just Left

    57

    102

    15

    61

    -13

    Object dart

    97

    60

    45

    62

    26

    Educating the dragon

    78

    83

    20

    63

    -14

    Anti-Dismal

    33

    110

    65

    64

    -20

    Barnsley Bill

    20

    127

    65

    65

    -9

    Pacific Empire

    96

    40

    96

    66

    2

    Anarchia

    127

    27

    90

    67

    35

    Red Alert

    95

    32

    145

    68

    -16

    Pundit

    82

    19

    185

    69

    new

    Teaching Sagittarian

    64

    67

    99

    70

    -3

    Put ‘em all on an island

    82

    80

    55

    71

    4

    John Key

    48

    70

    139

    72

    new

    Signposts

    42

    105

    81

    73

    -13

    Christchurch City Libraries Blog

    125

    72

    29

    74

    -10

    En Avant

    102

    77

    49

    75

    -17

    The Hive

    98

    95

    28

    76

    -10

    roarprawn

    38

    108

    115

    77

    -9

    Evolving Newsroom

    82

    120

    24

    78

    new

    Contradiction

    157

    47

    76

    79

    -14

    Kotare

    137

    94

    19

    80

    -10

    Policy Blog

    126

    36

    154

    81

    -7

    Greenpeace New Zealand Weblog

    65

    43

    233

    82

    new

    Adventure into romance

    143

    34

    149

    83

    -20

    Greg’s Blog

    148

    90

    29

    84

    -4

    NewZblog

    117

    65

    101

    85

    new

    Luddite Journo

    79

    89

    113

    86

    0

    Einstein Music Journal

    56

    97

    146

    87

    new

    Robyn’s Secret Passage

    113

    109

    37

    88

    -15

    ACT New Zealand blogs

    92

    26

    289

    89

    -8

    Bowalley Road

    112

    99

    71

    90

    -13

    Bioblog

    55

    81

    219

    91

    -15

    Prodigal Kiwi(s) Blog

    89

    150

    18

    92

    -10

    Greenflame

    139

    74

    108

    93

    30

    Liberation

    63

    153

    51

    94

    -15

    Samuel Dennis

    45

    124

    174

    95

    6

    CORE

    104

    93

    131

    96

    -3

    Art and my life

    140

    92

    94

    97

    -8

    Webweaver’s world

    135

    122

    59

    98

    -15

    Monkey with typewriter

    54

    160

    84

    99

    -15

    Bits on the side

    175

    75

    121

    100

    8

    Say Hello

    110

    101

    132

    101 – 150

    Against the current
    Alliance Party of New Zealand
    Aotearoa: a wider perspective
    Auckland Blog
    Beautiful Monsters
    Being Frank
    Blessed Economist
    café pacific
    Canterbury Atheists
    Christian News NZ
    Daily New Zealand News
    Dave Gee: Life from Right Field
    Education investigation
    Eye of the Fish
    Fighting talk
    g.blog
    get the skinny:[from skinny]
    goNZo Freakpower Brains Trust
    Hamilton Daily Photo
    Henry
    Humanitarian Chronicle
    Joe Hendren
    Karl du Fresne
    KiwiSmithFamily
    Lefthandpalm
    Love in a tent
    Micky’s muses . . From the antipodes
    Mulholland Drive
    NZ Blogosphere
    PM of NZ
    Put up thy Sword!
    RobiNZ Personal Blog
    SageNZ
    Semper Vita
    Sharing the addiction
    Socialist Aotearoa
    Stargazer
    Su’s Sound Bites
    Tauranga Daily Photo
    TBR.cc
    the gossip
    The Republican Movement of Aotearoa new Zealand
    The sound of butterflies
    The world according to Misha
    theSection59Blog
    This is halfpie
    Thoughtspurs
    Unity Blog
    whoar.co.nz
    Workers Party

    150 – 200

    A Sensitivity to Things
    Alf Grumble
    Ali’s blog
    All embracing, but underwhelming
    Bill English
    Blogging it real
    Brian Edward’s Media
    Canvassing for opinion
    cbmilne33
    Contra Celsum
    Cr!key Creek
    dad4justice
    definitive
    Developing the mind of Christ
    Distractions
    ragonsingDer
    Dunedin Public Libraries news and reviews blog
    Ellis in Wellyland
    ereport
    Family integrity
    Funerals and snakes
    Genius
    Home Education Foundation
    I see red
    ki ta himi titiro
    Leigh Blackall
    Lunchbox
    Manaia Kindergarten
    Maori Party
    Naketa’s Blog
    Neil Stockley
    Nevermind
    Not quite perfect
    NZ Conservative
    Opposable thumb
    People Points
    Physics Stop
    Planet NZ Tech
    Prog blog
    rob’s blockhead blog
    simon.net.nz
    Spleen
    Stanselen
    Star Studded Super Step
    The Fairfacts Media Show
    Thinking Matters Talk
    Truth Seeker
    Turning the supertanker
    United Future
    Website.net.nz

    201 – 370 (Check out the link at the top of this post to see theses rates and more…)

    Topics: Visits to website | No Comments »

    Family Integrity #460 — Youtube video seen as desperate: Barnardos

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    Family Integrity #460 — Youtube video seen as desperate: Barnardos

    Forwarded to you by:

    Craig Smith

    Family Integrity

    Youtube video seen as desperate: Barnardos

    By ESTHER LAUAKI – Kapi-Mana News

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/communities/kapi-mana-news/2549421/

    Barnardos has rubbished a Youtube video posted by a local man about the “anti-smacking” referendum, saying it was a desperate attempt at a smear campaign.

    The controversial referendum, to be held between July 30 and August 21, on the so-called anti-smacking legislation, will ask Kiwis to vote yes or no to the question, “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?”

    Porirua resident Renton MacLachlan, who opposes the legislation, posted a political satire about the topic on the popular website Youtube earlier this month.

    Supporters of the law, Barnardos, took exception to the video in which Mr MacLachlan conducts an ‘in-depth’ interview with a fictional Barnardos employee (also played by Mr MacLachlan) called Dennis Morris-Traveler, spokesperson for the ‘yes vote’ campaign.

    “I’ve been a supporter of parents’ rights to raise their own children for some time,” he told Kapi-Mana News.

    “Barnardos and all other organisations like them who support the bill are saying that every parent that has ever smacked their child to discipline them – that’s most parents in New Zealand – is a child abuser. I think for an outfit like Barnardos to step into a public arena and label all these parents child abusers is outrageous.”

    The organisation asked Mr MacLachlan to remove the video upon legal advice that its rights had been violated by him purporting to be an employee and expressing views that were not necessarily its own.

    Every Child Counts project manager Deborah Morris-Travers, the real spokesperson for the yes-vote campaign, said the video was a desperate attempt to boost the opposition’s campaign.

    “We here at Barnardos strongly believe that children should not be harmed and we support the safety of children. We’re not about using dirty, defamatory tactics for our campaign. They know that they’re going to lose this referendum and that this legislation will stay the same. The video is evidence of just how desperate they are really getting.”

    Mr MacLachlan rejected her sentiments and said she was “whistling in the dark”.

    “Consistently for years 85 per cent of people have rejected their arguments and for her to say it’s a desperate attempt is over the top.” He said Barnardos was one of several organisations he alluded to in the clip and feels they over-reacted.

    “It was ridiculous. Anyone with half a brain could see that it was meant as a comedy. Spoof and satire are pretty well covered under freedom of speech law so I went ahead with it.”

    Barnardos is not pursuing legal action.

    Watch the video


    Topics: Family Integrity email newsletter, Referendum, Youtube | No Comments »

    Family Integrity #459 — SPCS Media Release: Condomania, S. 59 and YesVote Silence

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    Family Integrity #459 — SPCS Media Release: Condomania, S. 59 and YesVote Silence

    Forwarded to you by:

    Craig Smith

    Family Integrity


    From: David Lane
    Sent: Tuesday, 30 June 2009 7:28 p.m.
    To: spcs.org@gmail.com

    Subject: SPCS Media Release: Condomania, S. 59 and YesVote Silence

    Scoop News

    Condomania, S. 59 and YesVote Silence

    Tuesday, 30 June 2009, 5:26 pm
    Press Release: spcs

    The Society for Promotion of Community Standards Inc.
    P.O. Box 13-683 Johnsonville

    New Zealanders may have forgotten that in 1988 Deborah Morris-Travis, currently spokesperson for the VoteYes anti-smacking campaign, while the then Minister of Youth Affairs, vigorously lobbied to have condom vending machines in all our schools and colleges and in all places where young people gather. She failed in her “condomania bid” as it was referred to. The Dominon Post (30 June) has reported that Board members of a primary school in her sedate seaside hometown of sunny Otaki, have resigned in the wake of the fallout over children as young as 6 and 10 at the school being forced by their teacher to pick up used condoms in the school grounds. Parents are outraged at the failure of St Peter Chanel’s board of management to deal with the condomania scandal and associated health and safety issues involved.

    However, it is the use of FORCE for the purpose of correction – in her own sunny ‘backyard’ – that must be of more serious concern to Ms Morris-Travers, her employer Barnardos and her YesVote coalition, given that “the anti-smacking law” they lobby so tirelessly for, at huge financial cost, outlaws the use of any kind of FORCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CORRECTION. Surely reports on the use of FORCE by teaches to make Otaki primary school children pick up used condoms as a punishment for misbehaving, failure to complete homework, or whatever; should have prompted the entire Yes Vote Coaliton into action: including Barnardos CEO Mr Murray Eldredge and their spokespeson Ms Morris-Travers.

    However, there’s been total silence over this condomania – forced child labour scandal.from the Yes Vote coalition who claim they oppose force being used against children for correcton

    For much more go to:

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00342.htm

    Topics: Family Integrity email newsletter, Referendum | No Comments »

    Should a smack be a criminal offence? – Vote NO

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    Protect Good Parents. Tackle the real causes of child abuse.

    I’ve got slow internet! | video not working? try upgrading Adobe Flash Player

    “““““““““““““““““““““““““““`

    Check out this website:

    http://www.voteno.org.nz/video.htm

    Topics: Referendum | 1 Comment »

    $9 Million Found To Cover Referendum

    By admin | July 1, 2009

    MEDIA RELEASE

    1 July 2009

    $9 Million Found To Cover Referendum

    Family First NZ says that Treasury figures reveal that $52 million has been budgeted for social policy advice for the financial year and that only a portion of this is needed to cover the cost of the Referendum.

    “The upcoming Referendum is simply an outcome of political deafness but its cost is covered under projected government spending,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

    “$52 million has been budgeted for Social Policy Advice under the Social Development Vote, and includes ‘the provision of information to, and discussion for, the public and other agencies on social policy issues’.

    “The anti-smacking law is a massive social issue which has affected the role of parents and the functioning of families. The Referendum will allow the public to finally have a say on this issue after being completely ignored by the politicians.”

    “Getting the anti-smacking law right will also have economic benefits. Latest figures on child abuse reported in the Christchurch Press show an incredible 2/3’rds of notifications to CYF requiring no further action.”

    “By correcting the anti-smacking law to avoid unnecessary investigation and intervention, and with $433 million being budgeted for CYF according to Treasury papers, the $9 million on the Referendum is not just about a flawed law but correcting an expensive exercise in mis-defining real abuse.”

    “We can now refer to the Referendum as Social Policy Advice,” says Mr McCoskrie. “Its cost is covered.”

    ENDS


    For More Information and Media Interviews, contact Family First:

    Bob McCoskrieNational Director

    Mob. 027 55 555 42

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Smacking poll in hands of mother

    By admin | June 30, 2009

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/2550600/Smacking-poll-in-hands-of-mother

    Smacking poll in hands of mother

    By NICK VENTER – The Dominion Post

    Last updated 05:00 30/06/2009
    LAST WORD: The referendum on the anti-smacking law will not go ahead if  promoter Sheryl Savill withdraws her petition.

    LAST WORD: The referendum on the anti-smacking law will not go ahead if promoter Sheryl Savill withdraws her petition.

    The dark-haired, bespectacled woman talking forcefully across an outdoor table laden with scones, cake and drinks on Family First’s pro-smacking website does not have a bionic arm and cannot run faster than a speeding car. But Sheryl Savill is New Zealand’s $6 million woman.

    The mother of two and policeman’s wife will have the final say this week on whether another $6m is spent on a referendum that Prime Minister John Key says the Government will ignore.

    That is because the petition calling for a referendum on the anti-smacking law was submitted in her name.

    A spokeswoman for the chief electoral officer said yesterday that $700,000 had already been spent preparing for the August referendum and a public information campaign costing $2.2m had also begun.

    If the referendum goes ahead it will cost another $6m. However, if Ms Savill withdraws her petition before the governor-general issues the writ, the last day for which is Friday, the referendum can be cancelled.

    Family First director Bob McCoskrie and petition organiser Larry Baldock say that will not happen unless the Government agrees to decriminalise smacking.

    “The consequences of this law remaining in New Zealand are far too serious and will cost the country far more than the cost of the referendum,” Mr Baldock said.

    He said Ms Savill, who is in the United States on a family holiday, was chosen as the petition promoter because she was a mother.

    “She was concerned about the law and as a young mum felt she was prepared to put her name to it.”

    Ms Savill, 40, has asked petition organisers not to give her contact details to the news media, but her views are explained in the video produced for the Vote No website. “I’m the mum of two lovely girls and when I realised how the anti-smacking law would directly affect the way I was raising my girls I knew that I had to do something,” she says, children and friends seated nearby.

    “A light smack done in a good home that’s full of love sure isn’t child abuse.”

    Mr McCoskrie said Ms Savill’s girls were aged about eight and 11. He declined to say whether she smacked them. “I can’t answer that. I won’t answer that on her behalf. I’m not going to comment on her parenting practice. All I know is that she is supporting the law change.”

    Ms Savill, of South Auckland, works as a “communicator” for a conservative critics say Right wing evangelical organisation, Focus on the Family. Its headquarters are in the United States and it offers advice on parenting and marriage.

    Family First Comment : The Referendum is actually in the hands of the Prime Minister. 300,000-plus signatures, 80% support for amending the anti-smacking law. Only the PM can prevent a costly Referendum. And Sheryl isn’t the $9 million dollar woman. Each person who signed the petition (300k) is the $30 protester!!!

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Woman behind smacking referendum ‘concerned’ mum

    By admin | June 30, 2009

    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/63271/woman-behind-smacking-referendum-039concerned039-mum

    Woman behind smacking referendum

    ‘concerned’ mum


    Mon, 29 Jun 2009


    The one woman with the power to halt the $9 million “anti-smacking” referendum is a “concerned” South Auckland married mother of two.

    Do you think the referendum should go ahead?

    A Research New Zealand survey of 481 people released yesterday found 77 percent of respondents thought the referendum was a waste of money, 18 percent supported it and 5 percent were unsure.

    Prime Minister John Key said it was up to the referendum’s instigator to decide whether to go ahead or not.

    The referendum asks: “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?”.

    Opponents of a 2007 law change, which removed the reasonable force defence in child abuse cases, want the public to vote no.

    Sheryl Savill, who is currently on a two-week family holiday in the United States and unavailable to media, works for Focus on the Family New Zealand – a member of the Vote No coalition – and is the instigator of the poll.

    “Her role as proposer is simply because of being a concerned mum”, Family First director Bob McCoskrie said.

    Mrs Savill, 40, has two daughters with her policeman husband and has worked for Focus since 2006.

    She is the programme manager for the parent education programme Drug Proof Your Kids.

    In an opinion piece for the New Zealand Centre for Political Research in August, Mrs Savill said she did not normally get involved in politics but “knew she had to do something”.

    “The government was intruding, yet again, into the lives or parents and, as a mum, I was really concerned about the impact that this type of bill would have on my family,” she wrote.

    “To remove and undermine a parent’s authority in their own home is a treacherous area for the State to wade into.”

    New Zealand needs to deal with “real causes” of child abuse, Mrs Savill said.

    Mr McCoskrie said that, “as discussed” with Mrs Savill before she left on holiday, the referendum would only be withdrawn if the law was amended.

    “The responsibility for the referendum continuing currently lies fairly and squarely with the Government.”

    The referendum has been criticised as being confusing, as some people who support the status quo may think that is what they are voting for if they tick no.

    The Government believes the law is working as intended and police are only prosecuting serious cases.

    The non-binding, citizens-initiated referendum will be held by postal ballot from July 31 to August 21.

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Read real-life stories of how the Anti-smacking law has hurt Kiwi families…

    By admin | June 29, 2009

    From: http://www.voteno.org.nz/
    Click on the writing below:

    Topics: Normal Families-Police/CYFs since Section 59 amended, Referendum, Section 59 - The Bill, Some Normal Families/Police and CYFs since Section 59 a | 1 Comment »

    CITIZENS INITIATED REFERENDUM REPORT

    By admin | June 29, 2009

    CIR Update no.32
    CITIZENS INITIATED REFERENDUM REPORT

    Only 55 days to referendum day! August 21.


    Greetings, Another busy week as media continued to carry more news of the impending referendum.

    Congratulations to Bob McCoskrie and team on a successful launch of the http://www.voteno.org.nz website. If you haven’t seen it yet I encourage you to take a good look. Lots of useful downloads and information. Simon Barnett has done a great job fronting it with a 90 sec video, and has been prepared to make his stand for the principles he believes in.  Thanks Simon, Jody and family.  We are proud of you!

    Also Muriel Newman’s NZCPR weekly newsletter was entitled “A smack in the face of democracy.” Muriel wrote a great article and invited me to be her guest commentator. Click on the link above if you haven’t received it direct. None of these events were co-ordinated or planned but the timing turned out to be great.

    The controversy over Christine Rankin’s appointment to the Families Commission has helped keep media interest alive this week with stories about her being required by the PM to not actively campaign for a ‘NO’ vote.  You may have heard Chief Families Commissioner Jan Pryor say on National Radio that there had been robust debate amongst commissioners previously about the Families Commissions official position on the anti-smacking law. Since in her own words she said the debate was robust, there is a clear indication that the seven previous commissioners were not all in support of the law change.  Hear the interview here

    Now with two new Commissioners that we believe would be opposed to the anti-smacking law, it would be very interesting indeed if the Families Commission had a fresh debate and vote concerning it’s official position of support for the law change.
    You can hear my interview with Geoff Robinson here.
    Perhaps if you were of a mind to write to the Chief Families Commissioner to urge them to re-open the discussion it would be a good way of supporting Christine Rankin.

    Last week we had several meetings with media and creative production teams to finalise plans for Radio and TV advertising campaigns for vote NO.  Under the laws governing CIR anyone wanting advertise to promote one of the answers to the referendum question cannot spend more than $50,000.  View Sec 42 of the CIR Act

    It is fairly obvious already that the Yes vote coalition has been spending up large to spread their half-truths and misinformation. I will give you some examples of this next week.

    We need your help to make our campaign to the finish line in this long battle to make sure ‘the voice of the people is not drowned out!’ We have raised approx one third of our budget so far. Can you help us raise the rest of the total of $50,000? Whether you can afford $10, $20, $50, $500 or much more, whatever the amount, it will be an investment for the future protection of families in New Zealand.

    You can send your checks made out to CIR Referendum, P.O. Box 9228, Greerton, 3142 Tauranga or direct Internet banking to our solicitors, McKenzie Elvin Trust account


    For CIR Referendum Trust        02 0432 0393 450-02


    Or donate on line with credit card via our Kiwi Party website donation page DONATE
    100% of all donations will be used for the advertising campaign. The ads will not be mentioning the Kiwi Party.

    Finally this week, a woman who writes under the pseudonym of Nonen Titi, has self published a book called ‘The Happiness Inquisition.” This fictional novel attempts to portray what the possible ramifications of the anti-smacking law will be in our communities and I found it a worthwhile read. You may find it useful to give to a friend to help explain why this law is bad and must go.

    To view the book cover and make any orders click on her website link. The cost is $10 incl postage in NZ. http://www.nonentiti.com

    Warm regards,
    Larry Baldock

    Topics: Referendum | No Comments »

    Referendum Cost Unfortunate Outcome of Political ‘Deafness’

    By admin | June 28, 2009

    MEDIA RELEASE
    28 June 2009
    Referendum Cost Unfortunate Outcome of Political ‘Deafness’
    Family First NZ is not surprised by a poll today that says that 77% of NZ’ers think the Referendum is a waste
    of money, and says that the government should save the taxpayer $9 million on a postal referendum and
    simply fix the anti-smacking law now as demanded by 80% of kiwis.
    “It is incredible that in the midst of a recession, the government will be spending that amount of money to tell
    them what they already know – that the law should be fixed,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family
    First NZ.
    “But that is the unfortunate price of ‘political deafness’. The blame for having to even have a Referendum is
    pointed fairly and squarely at the politicians. Even supporters of the Referendum would say that the
    Referendum is a waste of money – but completely necessary in the circumstances.”
    “The Referendum has resulted in a huge amount of time, energy and resources being spent collecting the
    300,000-plus signatures to force the Referendum in the hope that the government would be spurred to amend
    the law and target the real causes of child abuse. Unfortunately they remained deaf.”
    “The law can be easily fixed  by removing the criminality of parents who use reasonable force for the purpose
    of correcting their children.
    “The politicians have tried to paint the Referendum as confusing. They should try explaining the anti-smacking
    law to parents,” says Mr McCoskrie.
    “NZ’ers are crying out for politicians to listen to the voice of the people and to tackle the real causes of child
    abuse, without criminalising and threatening good parents with investigation and interference from already
    overworked police and CYF social workers,” says Mr McCoskrie.
    ENDS
    For More Information and Media Interviews, contact Family First:
    Bob McCoskrie – NATIONAL DIRECTOR
    Mob. 027 55 555 42

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Senior Labour MP Says Referendum Not Confusing

    By admin | June 28, 2009

    MEDIA RELEASE

    29 June 2009

    Senior Labour MP Says Referendum Not Confusing

    Family First NZ is welcoming comments by a senior Labour MP that the Referendum wording is not confusing.

    Pete Hodgson was a Minister of Health, Minister for Economic Development, Minister of Research, Science and Technology and Minister for Tertiary Education under the previous Labour government.

    A constituent recently wrote to the MP and said:

    “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offense in NZ” This is a most unambiguous question: given that the defense of reasonable force was repealed in the legislation passed last year as part of Sue Bradford’s bill and therefore parents who even lightly tapped their child could be prosecuted if the police elected to do so. It is misleading for anyone to say the above is an ambiguous question. It is patently clear what it is asking. The reason to argue for ambiguity is to try and confuse the issue in order to undermine the referendum. To refuse to vote on the basis of the ambiguity of the question is the ultimate act of fence sitting and self preservation. If one believes the question is wrong then one and the legislation is correct then one should vote accordingly!”

    In response, Mr Hodgson simply wrote “agreed”.

    “The smokescreen which has been created around the Referendum has simply been an attempt by some politicians to attempt to ridicule and dismiss an issue that they don’t want to resurface,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “It has been a direct attack on the process of democracy. And the cost can only be attributed to their deafness on this issue.”

    Family First is calling on the government to amend the anti-smacking law so that a non-abusive smack for the purpose of correction is not a criminal offence.

    “300,000 signatures, an 80%-average in all the polls, and now a senior Labour MP, shows the country is not confused as to what they want on this issue,” says Mr McCoskrie.

    ENDS

    For More Information and Media Interviews, contact Family First:

    Bob McCoskrieNational Director

    Mob. 027 55 555 42

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Anti-smacking law insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga

    By admin | June 26, 2009

    Anti-smacking law insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga

    Friday, 26 June 2009, 11:51 am

    Anti-smacking legislation counterproductive and an insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga

    Peter Tashkoff, Spokesperson for Maori issues

    Anti-smacking legislation is not simply useless, but is in fact making the problem worse. What’s more it is an insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga of whanau, ACT New Zealand Maori Issues Spokesperson Peter Tashkoff said today.

    “This well meaning legislation is based on a false ideology that attacks the Tino-Rangatiratanga of families, and has had the opposite effect to what even its supporters intended,” Mr. Tashkoff said.

    “Why do we have this legislation to begin with? It was sold to us as a way to stop kids being violently assaulted by their caregivers, but now we see that if anything, things have gotten worse. This is known as the law of unintended consequences; it’s what you get when you pass laws based on ideology. The supporters of the bill are now claiming that was never the intention, and that somehow the bill was just meant to make us all nicer people.

    “It’s rubbish of course, all that the bill does is move one notch closer to a situation where the people have no power and the state has it all. If a child refuses to go to school the whanau are not allowed to lift a finger to make them, yet a complete stranger working for the state is allowed to use whatever force is needed to do so. In the same way, you can’t smack a child that refuses to obey, but try not paying your taxes and just watch what extent the state can go to in order to force your obedience. This is an insult to the dignity of families and an insult to Tino-Rangatiratanga. When as a country did we ever buy into the ridiculous notion that strangers care more about kids than their parents do?

    “And look at the effect on whanau. Sure its fine if you have the regulation 2.4 kids, or your kids are very young, but look at the larger families, which is where Maori are at, and see what’s going on. I’ve heard reports of kids running riot the length and breadth of the country. This law, which was meant to make things better, has simply loaded more stress onto families and has led to more, not less, conflict in the home. Supporters of the law have tried to pass off this effect as being as a result of ‘higher reporting by the police to CYFs’ but that’s simply a rationalisation to excuse an effect that doesn’t agree with their ideology. Parents in these homes know that after the law was passed children became more challenging and more undisciplined, and that conflict and stress levels in the home rose, not fell. The law has made things worse not better.

    “Irrespective of a small number of criminally minded people that carry out extreme violence whether to children or adults, there can be no question that the people that care most about kids are their own parents, not strangers paid by

    “That’s some of the reasons why the

    ACT party stands for the repeal of

    this anti-smacking legislation, and

    that’s why I do too,”

    said Mr Tashkoff

    ENDS

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | 1 Comment »

    Heather Roy – Anti-Smacking Referendum

    By admin | June 26, 2009

    Speech: Roy – Anti-Smacking Referendum

    Wednesday, 24 June 2009, 3:55 pm
    Speech: ACT New Zealand

    Anti-Smacking Referendum

    Hon Heather Roy, ACT Deputy Leader
    Hon Heather Roy – General Debate, Slot One; Parliament; Wednesday, June 24 2009.

    Violence is not acceptable in any shape or form. It is a plague that haunts our communities, and violence against the vulnerable – against our children – is totally abhorrent.

    I say that as a mother, and as a politician. That’s why we have laws that are explicit about violent behaviour and which impose punishments on those in our society who choose to inflict violence on others.

    The Anti-Smacking Bill – repeal of Section 59 – was promoted as the solution to the terrible abuse suffered by too many children. Details published around these cases – the Kahui twins, Lillybing, Nia Glassie and far too many other children – were so repugnant that I couldn’t read them.

    But the Anti-Smacking Bill is not the answer to stopping child abuse. The debate has relied on emotion rather than reason, and focussed on rules rather than results. The unintended result of the smacking ban has been to criminalise hundreds of thousands of good parents.

    Those who beat children to a pulp have never paid attention to the law and never will. The police have been told to use their discretion when complaints are made, but this makes a farce of the law. Laws must be clear, enforceable and regularly enforced to be effective. This is not the case we have now.

    What really surprised New Zealanders during the anti-smacking debate was the flip-flop of the National Party. They did a complete U-turn after opposing the Bill all the way through.

    It is only the ACT Party that believes that intrusion of the State into the homes of good parents is unacceptable.

    More than 300,000 people signed a petition to hold a referendum on the question: should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand.

    It is a question that has divided the country – not 50/50; not even 60/40. It has split the New Zealand Parliament from the rest of New Zealand. A Parliament that voted 113 to eight in support of the Anti-Smacking Bill, but which ignored polls showing public opinion was opposed to the Bill by a ratio of four to one.

    It is no wonder the people of New Zealand feel alienated – that the politicians are not listening. ACT supports this referendum; we support the people of New Zealand having a say; we support democracy. We do so because this Parliament has refused to listen to the people.

    Prime Minister John Key has dismissed the referendum as an irrelevance and that the result will not change his mind. I’d ask the Prime Minister to reflect on those statements and consider the anguish and confusion that the Anti-Smacking Bill has had around the country.

    Proponents of the law say it is working; that it is reducing child abuse – but 13 children have been killed since this law was passed 25 months ago. The long list of names we had before the Bill was passed continues to grow.

    This law targets the wrong people. The thugs and bullies, the child abusers, the real criminals – not good parents – will continue to assault and murder children. It won’t stop the James Whakarurus, Delcelia Witikas or Tamati Pokaias from being abused and killed.

    What it does do is frighten, confuse and prevent loving parents from parenting. The ACT Party is the only Party in this House that opposed the anti-smacking law; we were the only Party to publicly support the referendum to allow New Zealanders to have a say and we remain the only party committed to reforming the law to protect loving New Zealand families.

    ENDS

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

    Real Issues – Referendum

    By admin | June 26, 2009

    Real Issues – Referendum

    Friday, 26 June 2009, 9:24 am

    Real Issues No. 344 – Referendum

    Maxim Institute – Real Issues – No. 344 25 June 2009 http://www.maxim.org.nz

    REFERENDUM ANGST

    The continuing debate over the referendum on child discipline took a turn for the surreal this week, with politicians from across the spectrum lining up to attack the referendum question as nonsensical, saying things like ‘the law is working’ and ‘the question is weird.’ The question we are supposed to answer does not seem hard. ‘Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?’ Committed to his brokered ‘compromise’ John Key can’t afford to admit the law is not working. Phil Goff can’t afford to offend elements in his own party, ideologically committed to the ban on physical discipline. And neither of them want to ignore the large majority of Kiwis who keep telling pollsters they support a good parent’s right to make disciplinary decisions. So, they pretend contempt for the question, and count on a low turnout. This in itself is a damning indictment. The growing popularity of referenda and public distrust in politicians, are the products of people feeling that the government is distant, that they don’t care what we think. Regardless of the merits of the question (whose limitations are unavoidable given that it must be a yes/no question) the gist of the referendum is clear to both the Yes and No campaigns, and the public should have their say on it. Contempt for the democratic process is far too general across the spectrum–from Parliament, when it abuses urgency, to leaders when they disregard the feedback they are receiving from constituents. Luckily for the country, our democracy does not belong to them alone–it is a precious right belonging to all of us. From the end of July, we should all do our duty and value the imperfect but vital process of democracy–especially when others are not.

    Enrol to vote http://www.elections.org.nz

    Topics: News Media/Press Releases, Referendum | No Comments »

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