Standing up for victims who can’t

When it comes to the state of New Zealand’s justice system Tokoroa’s Liston and Hayley Heke believe enough is enough.

The couple recently became the Waikato representatives of the Sensible Sentencing Trust (SST) which was founded in 2002 by Napier’s Garth Mcvicar as a way of giving victims of homicide guidance, hope, and a voice when going through the courts.

While not victims of homicide themselves Hayley said they almost were when their Blenheim-based son was viciously attacked with a hammer during a home invasion in April.

Not wanting to go to court himself Hayley stepped in to be her son’s voice only to be left shocked by how the justice system seemingly lacked justice for victims.

‘‘We are the squeaky wheel and we will speak out and keep speaking out...until there is change in our system.’’