Why has a 17-year-old girl taken her life?
Research suggests that vicious cyber-bullying
may have played a part.
Hinerangi Goodman was at the Coroner's Court in Rotorua today.
Evidence clearly outlined that Micaela Emily Stothers
committed suicide in Tokoroa last year.
Cyber-bullying was believed to have played a part.
However, in court it was revealed that this was not the case.
Stothers and her friend, Raymond Gardiner
had set it up themselves.
According to Gardiner,
Stothers had written about her own pregnancy
and abortion.
The information revealed today
put the Stothers family in shock.
In September, the coroner will release his report.
Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere.
The Government says they'll fast-track a Law Commission report
looking at ways of reducing the harm caused by cyber-bullying.
Justice Minister, Judith Collins,
said she had asked the Commission
to make the report a priority.
Potential law changes are being investigated,
including introducing a new offence
of maliciously impersonating another person on the internet.
Parekura Horomia joins us now
from our Wellington office.
Tena koe, Parekura.
There are no laws that cover online harassment.
What is Labour's stance on cyber-bullying?
We're talking about this issue,
and we're against cyber-bullying.
However, this issue is relatively new,
so it's right that we address it in Parliament.
Given today's technology,
aren't you limited to how you can police bullying
on social-networking sites like Facebook
or even on cellphones?
It's hard to tackle this issue.
But just like domestic violence,
if people expose it and make others aware,
then it can quickly be addressed
by a policeman, a family member or whoever.
Though we can make a law to deal with this,
it's still a new thing for us.
But if Labour is once again in Government,
you will tackle cyber-bullying?
Yes.
Do you support the Maori Party's call for the super age
to be lowered for Maori?
I agree with that.
I know for most Maori workers it's likely they will reach 60 years.
But there are many other factors to consider in this matter as well.
The Government is unlikely to budge
on the age issue until the next election.
How about Labour?
Will Labour retain its policy of raising the age to 67?
That's something we're considering.
But the biggest problem is this -
you can't talk of this issue
when there's no money in the pension for them
when they get there.
That's why if we start now,
in 10-20 years we'll have fixed the issue for Maori.
We're the party who support initiatives that are best for Maori.
Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia
are re-considering retiring
from politics at the next election.
What about you?
Good luck to them. That's what I think.
So you will continue on?
Time will tell, Scotty.
You're not going to tell us?
All the best, Scotty.
Parekura Horomia, thank you for joining us.