Town's 'anti-nark' culture slammed

TONY STEVENS

Ngaruawahia residents mourning the death of toddler Serenity Scott-Dinnington want to eliminate an "anti-nark culture" preventing the reporting of child abuse.

Six-month-old Serenity died in Auckland's Starship Hospital last month after her life-support was switched off.

Police are investigating after medical staff reported her injuries were similar to shaken baby syndrome.

Serenity's neighbour, who wanted to be known only as Cherie, has  held a  second hui to discuss child abuse after the death.

Cherie said those at the latest meeting on Thursday decided it was time to act on the "anti-nark culture" in Ngaruawahia and remove the barriers in the way of reporting child abuse.

Cherie was branded a "nark" by some members of the community for talking to reporters and police about Serenity's death. Her home was even tagged with the label.

"I am not the only one who has been victimised for standing up," she said.

"It was good to hear other people speaking up at the hui (about being victimised) because it means there are others who can support me."

Area Commander for Western Waikato, Inspector Paul Carpenter, represented police at the hui and said if there was an anti-nark culture, there was only a small group behind it.

"The hui sent a loud and clear message that there is plenty of support for Cherie and speaking out."

But Mr Carpenter acknowledged there are people who might feel too intimidated to report abuse to police.

"There are always agencies and people where they can get information through  it doesn't have to be police," he said.

"It's just about finding that opportunity and making the move."

Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta attended the follow-up meeting and said her impression was of a community that wants to take control of eliminating violence.

"One of the big questions that was asked was: how do we eliminate the anti-nark culture in Ngaruawahia?"

Ms Mahuta said the community needs to show zero tolerance toward victimisation of people who report crime.

"That's a leadership issue. The (Waikato) District Council needs to step up. Community figures, services and even residents need to show some leadership." Cherie has set up a Facebook page to raise awareness about child abuse and commemorate "beautiful children New Zealand has lost to abuse".

The page currently has 511 likes.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/STOP-Death-by-Abuse-of-our-Children/166417770086797

- © Fairfax NZ News