Smacking referendum underway 

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New Zealanders have three weeks from Friday to cast their votes in the smacking referendum.

The postal ballot asks, "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?"

Almost 3 million voting papers are being delivered from Friday.
 
The referendum has reignited debate over the controversial law, which was introduced in 2007.
 
It's New Zealand's first ever citizen initiated referendum held through the mail.

Chief electoral officer Robert Peden says voters simply need to tick "yes" or "no" on the referendum voting paper in response to the question.

To be included in the count, voting papers from within the country must be postmarked no later than August 21.

Voting papers from overseas must be postmarked no later than August 20.

Do you think we should be having the referendum on smacking? Will you be voting? Have your say on our messageboard below.

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Obey Democracy ; 2009-08-28 @ 16:17 NZDT  

Time to exercise some democracy and tear this illegitimate Law Down. Spread the word gather at parliament on 09/09/09 at 9am. It is time to make a stand for democracy that these creeps can't defy. It will be an asset to New Zealand for generations to come. Never again should any Political party be able to show such contempt and corruptibility to obey tiny minorities, UN dictates or whatever is operating Key. 09/09/09@9am/9pm Parliament/MPS Office or CYFS Carry signs saying "OBEY"

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Nomanor ; 2009-08-27 @ 14:53 NZDT  

1 Leading: the wording of the referendum was bias. Which I believe led people to vote against the bill. 2 Abuse: parents who actually beat their children before the bill were able to get off the assault charges on reason of "Discipline". Misinterpretation makes parents believe that actual disciplinary measures will put them in prison. 3 Resolution: Key refuses to repeal the bill and give child abusers a GOJF card and protects against innocent people getting in trouble. Key has my vote.

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samuelpike10 ; 2009-08-26 @ 22:44 NZDT  

What type country has Aotearoa become? We have elected members to parliament who do as they will and not as the people ask. I FEEL THAT WE SHOULD BILL THE COST OF THE REFERENDUM TO THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. If they acted appropriately in the first place we would not be in this situation. We have lost our position as a best practice leader.

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mcarky ; 2009-08-26 @ 21:13 NZDT  

Paul Henry challenges the PM on folic acid in bread and in about a week the legislation is dropped. 88% Kiwis voice there disapproval for Sue Bradfords smacking bill, but yet it remains. I would really love to hear Paul Henry challenge the PM on this one. Why the about face? Whats the agenda?

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klemon ; 2009-08-26 @ 20:06 NZDT  

So where do we turn? Labour stank, National won't listen, all the other parties are nuts. There is pretty much no one left to vote for. I think I've just lost faith in the only country I've ever been in.

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