The Crown summary of facts revealed that Child, Youth and Family service had several dealings with the family in relation to concerns over the care and protection of the children.
On February 15, as a result of information received, CYF staff and police went to the family home armed with a court order and took the children into care. The next day, the eldest victim was interviewed and described a home environment involving violence, drug use, drunkenness and verbal abuse.
The boy said these "bad things" had happened most of his life and there were "no good things" in their house, and sometimes there was no food for them to eat.
Major had been set to go to trial on five representative counts of assault on a child but pleaded guilty to all five counts in Tauranga District Court last month.
He was sentenced by Judge Robert Wolff in the same court on Friday.
Crown prosecutor Sharee Christensen said while the end sentence being sought may be within the home detention range, a prison sentence was appropriate due to Major being assessed at high risk of reoffending. There were also concerns about the safety of others due to his unresolved anger management issues and lack of remorse.
Major's lawyer Craig Tuck told Judge Wolff he accepted a prison sentence was the only realistic outcome open to the court as there was no home detention report available.
Mr Tuck said Major disputes some aspects of the summary of facts but he pleaded guilty because he did not want to traumatise the victims any further and deserved credit for that.
Major had already spent six and half months in custody and during that time he had reflected on his offending, Mr Tuck said.
"What is clear is that he has genuine empathy and concern for the children, and there is a growing maturity about his role as a father and parent, and [he] now has a real insight into what he needs to do to become a good father ... He is not without hope," said Mr Tuck.
Judge Wolff told Major he had read his letter and documents and it was clear he was a man of some intelligence.
"Ultimately, I hope that you learn the skills you need to become a parent who cares for the children without hurting them as you have done in the past," the judge said.
Judge Wolff also imposed six months of release conditions requiring Major to continue any counselling he needs once he is freed from jail.
In Tauranga District Court on Wednesday the children's mother, Jade Rose, 30, from Omokoroa, pleaded guilty to three charges of ill-treatment and neglect of a child under 16.
The summary of facts revealed the ill-treatment charges relate to Rose also striking and slapping the three older children, but in a less serious manner than Major's offending.
It also stated CYF's enquiries confirmed the three eldest children had been absent from school for long periods. Last year, the eldest child missed 40 days of school and his siblings 46 days each, while this year the three youngsters were absent at least one day a week before they were taken into care. The children were found to have some behavioural and development issues. Paediatricians also found minor injuries and other medical issues.
Rose will be sentenced on October 11.
