A Rotorua organisation is reminding parents that it is not okay to smack their children.
Waiariki Women's Refuge manager Miriama said it is a "no go zone" for parents to smack their children to discipline them and that the method was ineffective.
"It is never okay to smack your children. A little hit could lead to a bigger hit," she said.
"We strongly believe that communication is a parent's biggest asset. Good, clear communication is the answer to disciplining your children, not smacking."
Her comments come following Conservative Party leader Colin Craig's admission he smacks his daughter if she misbehaves.
Last week he also revealed his intention to have the so-called anti-smacking law repealed if his party formed a coalition with National after this year's general election.
The law came into effect in June 2007 and according to a recent police report there have only been eight prosecutions for smacking since then.
The legislation removed the defence of reasonable force for parents prosecuted for assaulting their children. But police have the discretion not to prosecute.
Miriama said the legalisation was good because it created an awareness that violence towards children, in any form, should not be tolerated.
"It is important for parents and children to treat each other with equal respect and for parents to be clear to their children about what their boundaries are, but with words not hands."
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