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Who said that Maori are superior in childcare?
New statistics have shown
Maori to have the highest rates in child abuse.
That's why some are asking what is there to be done?
Here is Rapaera Tawhai with this story.
She's an iwi leader and a Maori health worker,
who has grave concerns for the children of today.
We have forgotten the true meaning of the word tama-ariki,
which means they descend from the gods.
She is furious about statistics revealed in studies
which show that child abuse among Maori has reached new heights.
Last year, over half of 20,000 abused children were Maori.
None of us like to hear that.
Of the 12 children who died due to child abuse, nine were Maori.
Even children under the care
of Children Youth and Family Services (CYFS) still suffer abuse.
All CYFS funding for Maori children should be given to the tribes,
and the tribes should care for these children and the families.
The government believes that the Whanau Ora initiative
will help to control the issue.
So that we can all help to strengthen our families.
If he's saying that he gained so many millions for Whanau Ora,
then sure he can do something about this.
Tomorrow, Naida Glavish will meet with health experts in Auckland
to discuss this issue.
Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere.