Smacking - the bottom line

Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

That is the question asked in the first citizens initiated referendum to be held by postal vote.

Registrar of electors Sharon Reece says every nor-west household will get a notice in the mail this week urging them to check they are enrolled to vote and that their details are up to date.

Only those correctly enrolled will receive voting papers.

Voting opens on July 31 and closes on August 21.

The wording of the referendum question is criticised by supporters of the current law.

In 2007 an amendment to the Crimes Act removed reasonable force in punishing a child as a defence in child abuse cases.

"The referendum question is strangely worded to discourage supporters of the current law from participating," says Deborah Morris-Travers of the Yes Vote Coalition.

Barnardos chief executive Murray Edridge says it is important people understand that voting yes is the right vote for children and families.

"The referendum question is designed to confuse and generate a response that will put pressure on politicians to change the child discipline law," he says.

Ms Morris-Travers says the referendum question equates smacking with good parenting.

"It’s like asking should speeding, as part of good driving, be a criminal offence? or should smoking, as part of a healthy lifestyle, be discouraged?

"The question is nonsense, but it has the capacity to rally support from the current law’s opponents," she says.

Supporters of the referendum say the amended law has failed because serious child abuse continues.

- © Fairfax NZ News