Justice for Moko unites Northland

Tears were shed and hugs were tight during a Justice for Moko march in Kaikohe on June 27.

Thousands attended similar rallies throughout the country on the day of sentencing of threeyear-old Moko Rangitoheriri’s killers in Rotorua High Court.

Tania Shailer and David Haerewa were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment with a minimum sentence of nine years to be served for the manslaughter of the toddler.

Organiser Karen Edwards from Okaihau says the aim of the events throughout New Zealand were to get justice for Moko.

The march started on Broadway and wound up at the Kaikohe District Court where the national speech from the Sensible Sentencing Trust was read by Edwards.

A long list of children’s names who were killed as a result of violence was also read.

Edwards is a victim of serious crime herself as her daughter Ashlee Edwards was killed by her former partner.

She has joined the Sensible Sentencing Trust and supports other victims.

Karen also spoke about the manslaughter charge for the death of Moko.

‘‘If that isn’t murder I don’t know what is.

‘‘We easily underestimate how rife violence is throughout our country, both victims and abusers need support.

‘‘It takes a village to raise a child and keep our kids safe.’’

Former child, youth and crisis counsellor Mike Norman says the issue of violence starts with families taking action.

Norman quoted Martin Luther King Jr who says, ‘‘It is not the violence of the few that scares me. It is the silence of the many.’’

Whangarei rally organiser Jann Leaming says over 50 people showed up outside their local courthouse.

‘‘While I am sort of pleased that they have been given the maximum penalty ever for the manslaughter of a child, I am concerned it is not enough.

‘‘They can come up for parole in nine years, so could only serve that length of time.

‘‘They should have got life without parole.’’