The Paediatric Society of New Zealand calls on the government to take immediate action by increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 12 as an initial step. Subsequently, we urge the government to raise this age to at least 14 once appropriate changes have been implemented to ensure effective and suitable care for these children.
PSNZ Māori Director Wane Wharerau talks with Radio Waatea today on the issue.
“We firmly believe that children should be afforded the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and grow in appropriate, supportive, and culturally responsive environments,” states PSNZ Māori Director Wane Wharerau (Ngāpuhi). He adds, “This is also an issue that disproportionately affects Māori and other marginalised communities in Aotearoa, compounding issues of inequity.”