Rotorua mayor sickened by violence against child

Rotorua Mayor, Kevin Winters, says he is sickened by news that yet another innocent child has apparently been the subject of violence in Rotorua.

Mr Winters' comments follow a Police statement that suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a 12 month old boy are being investigated, and a woman from the same address has been arrested and charged with assaulting a child.

“I am also saddened that New Zealand’s sorry history of violence against children appears to be ongoing. And I’m angered that a toddler could have suffered such serious violence at the hands of an adult, especially as it may be someone from the youngster’s own household.

“My personal hope is that the Police and courts are able to deal swiftly and emphatically with whoever is responsible.

“Violence is never the answer, and violence against our youngest and most vulnerable citizens in particular, is a responsibility of not just our courts but of all responsible citizens.”

Mayor Winters said that ever since the Nia Glassie murder, he had been working closely with the community, and a number of local organisations and government agencies, with the aim of reducing the risk of such violence against young people.

“With our Rotorua Safe Families project we’ve been making progress in a number of areas. But it is clear from today’s tragic news that we have much to do yet before our youngsters are completely safe from such horrific acts of violence.”