Maori are a violent people and using the term Maori child abuse is not racist, outspoken Ngapuhi elder David Rankin says.
Mr Rankin was responding to AUT University academic Paul Moon, who has called on the media and government agencies to stop using the term Maori child abuse on the basis that it racist.
Dr Moon said there is no such thing as Maori child abuse or Pakeha child abuse, there is just child abuse.
"By putting the word Maori in front of it, a stereotype is created which is inaccurate and dangerous," he said.
"The vast majority of Maori parents, like the vast majority of all other parents, do a fantastic job of raising their children."