Why does New Zealand have such a high Child Abuse rate?

NZ has many people of Maori and Pacific Island descendant. Generally in these cultures a part of raising their children includes physical punishment rather than 'time out' or whatever. My boyfriend is Samoan and he has told me some horrible stories, such as when he was about 2 or 3 his mum would slap him with a jandal when he did something wrong. And when he was about 2 he was playing with his little sister a bit too roughly so his mum picked him up and threw him across the room.

But its not their fault. They dont know any better as this was the way they grew up and were raised

Never heard about that before....

Because (and no I'm not racist, just saying things as they are) there are too many Maoris. They cause such a high percent of problems! They account for less than 4% of the population, but over 80% of the jail population. Just goes to prove my point...

they dont learn the first time? xD

Yes Its a sad terrible fact and It's getting worse.
Edit: And now I read that yet another tourist has been murdered here.

its the races that emigrate to new zealand that spoil it for us ! mostly maori and pacific island not all of them most are nice but there are some that take it to far thats why theres an anti smacking law (stupid)

Jason D, you're stats are incorrect.

6.5% of New Zealanders identify themselves as Pacific Island.

14.6% of New Zealanders identify themselves as Maori.

Statistic from the 2006 census, New Zealanders refer to a perminant resident and residents may identify themselves with up to 4 cultural groups.

Maori make up about 50% of prison populations.


There are many theories why the child abuse rate is so high.

Some Maori's feel as though they are supressed and that the European influence has created the problem, and that they didn't abuse their children before then Europeans arrived.

Some may say, it's not actually that high, it's just that when something like this happens, it makes the news. For example, in the USA, if someone is murdered, it's hardly ever on the news unless it's a special case. But in NZ if their a murder, then it makes the news.

Some people believe that this is the way to punish their children but then take it too far.


But there is really no excuse for it, and no reasoning behind it. We have a high rate of other abuse as well. 1/4 woman have been sexually assaulted before the age of 15.

...