It is often a popular dinnertime conversation: the tyranny of so-called "Armchair Experts". They're those people who will tell you where your business lacks lustre without having wagered a penny in the private sector, or how those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law just need tojust "pull their socks up".
That's why it is best to hear from those who walk the talk when dealing with key issues.
You have the opportunity to hear from those working on the frontline of family violence in our community on Tuesday 1st September from 6pm in the Papamoa Community Centre. We may feel exasperated and helpless in the face of such a prevalent scour in our community; however, we can take part to learn from the best and explore ideas on how our laws can better support victims of family violence.
Those included will community leaders from our Police, Colin Gardiner from "It's Not OK Papamoa" and Heather Beddie who's a Family Violence Response Coordinator.
New Zealand has the highest reported rate of intimate partner violence in the developed world - over 100,000 call outs to police in 2014. As a result the Government is looking at an overhaul of the current legislation and is seeking input into how we can better protect New Zealanders from family violence.
I appreciate it is not an easy topic to talk about, but it is one we must face head on together. Feel welcome to join us on Tuesday 1st September - RSVP to raiha.hooker@parliament.govt.nz.
