More than 150 people marched through Oamaru yesterday to show their support for 3-year-old Taupo boy Moko Rangitoheriri, who was killed by his caregivers.
The march was one of several taking place throughout New Zealand to honour Moko and all children who suffer or have suffered abuse.
Oamaru organiser Alex Shieffelbien said she was spurred into action by a story journalist Duncan Garner wrote about Moko's death and his call for people to march.
"We need to raise awareness to make it change.
"People need to speak out more. People see [abuse] and don't say anything.''
Matt Shieffelbien said to turn the situation around for at-risk children, there needed to be an attitude adjustment about reporting family violence and more funding was needed for support organisations.
Sergeant Blair Wilkinson, of Oamaru, told protesters the police dealt with more than 100,000 reports of family violence every year and it was believed that figure was only about 20% of total family violence crime.
"If you're aware of or suspect child abuse is occurring, you need to do something about it.''
Emma Campbell, of Oamaru, said the march let the community know that child abuse was not all right and if there was an offender watching the protest, they would now know they could approach someone to get help to stop their abuse.
"There's help out there and it's just realising it's OK to ask.
"Oamaru has a heart.''
Kelly Gore-Symes, of Kakanui, said people who abused children or killed them should be prosecuted by police with a charge that fitted the crime.
"When you put such a small value on children like that with calling it manslaughter [rather] than murder, I mean, call it what it is.
"Kids are bearing the brunt for people's bad moods.''
Brenda Meuli, a former foster mother and now a teacher aide in Oamaru, said it was hard to say what could be done to reduce child killings and abuse in society.
"It needs to start from the bottom up. It's the chicken and the egg thing.
"What you do to your child now defines what they become as adults.
"I've given up thinking there's a solution.''
In Whangarei, about 1500 people of all ages gathered outside the Haven Falls Funeral Home and marched to Laurie Hall Park, chanting "Not One Child More''.
Among the marchers was a brother of Moko's mum, Nicola Dally-Paki. Anthony Paki said he could "feel the love''.
"It's massive. My sister would have been impressed, she sent her love up and her support not only for Moko but for ‘It's not OK'.''
In Auckland, Queen St was closed as hundreds marched from Aotea Sq to the Viaduct wearing blue and holding balloons.
Signs read "enough is enough'' and "stop child abuse''.
In Papamoa, about 200 people met at Parton Rd Community Kindy.
In Hamilton, organiser Katrina Williams said she was pleased with the turnout of the city's march, which started outside Child Matters in the central city.
- Shannon Gillies & NZME.
