March to show no tolerance

Thousands of New Zealanders will be standing up against child abuse on Monday while two of the worst offenders face sentencing.

Tania Shailer and David Haewera will be sentenced on June 27 for their role in the brutal killing of three-year-old Moko while he was in their care at their Taupo home.

The level of abuse and violence Moko suffered at the hands of his carers was revealed in court documents and left the nation shocked and outraged.

Along with the outrage at Moko’s death, there have been calls for law changes as his killers are facing the lesser charge of manslaughter after being offered a plea deal.

All across the country marches have been organised outside court rooms at 10am on Monday as a sign of solidarity and to send a strong message for changes to the legal system.

Stand Up New Zealand – justice for Moko Facebook page organiser Karrie Stephens has been at the coal face helping different regions co-ordinate marches.

‘‘This is about standing up as a country,’’ she said.

‘‘People need to know that violence is not okay and we shouldn’t kill our children or excuse those that do.’’

During the marches a petition asking the government to introduce a system where a High Court Judge must approve any arrangement when a charge of murder is replaced by a lesser charge.

The petition also calls for the plea bargain negotiation to be stopped in New Zealand.

The petition has almost 4000 signatures.

‘‘Too many people are not getting locked away on murder charges,’’ Stephens said.

‘‘This is the start of the change, it is not going to be the change, but it is a start.

‘‘If we sit back and do nothing, then nothing will change, so that is what this is about.

‘‘It’s our chance to make a difference.’’

Taupo’s march is being organised by Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness and will start at the public carpark next to BP, Heuheu Street at 9am. The justice for Moko Rotorua march begins outside the Village Green, corner of Whakaue and Fenton Street at 9am.