Justice march not only for Moko

VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN: Justice for Moko Gisborne march organisers, Farrah Murphy, Moana Mackey and Kelly Ennis-Reynolds, are determined to put an end to child abuse in their community. Picture by Liam Clayton

GETTING justice for toddler Moko Rangitoheriri is much bigger than changing the law, say three Gisborne women.

Three-year-old Moko died last year after what has been described as cruel and prolonged abuse at the hands of his carers. When the story of the abuse was made public, three Gisborne women were motivated to act.

“It's a kaupapa that's close to our hearts,” say Moana Mackey, Kelly Ennis-Reynolds and Farrah Murphy, organisers of a Justice for Moko Gisborne march.

The women first met through Facebook after voicing their interest in a Gisborne March. They are the first to admit they have no professional experience in campaigning or violence prevention.

However, they say Moko’s tragic story and their role as mothers motivated their involvement.

“The more I read about Moko’s death and the horrific lead-up, just like anyone else I imagined my own kids,” said Mrs Ennis-Reynolds, whose children are the same age.

Mrs Ennis-Reynolds and Ms Mackey say indirect experience with child abuse has encouraged them in their campaign.

The focus of the march is to spark awareness and unite the community in a campaign of prevention.

“We also want to encourage everybody to speak up when they see or hear anything. Break the silence.

“We are well aware that the march isn’t going to solve everything but we’re stronger in numbers and if we work together as a community we can try to help make changes,” said Mrs Ennis-Reynolds, a zumba instructor, part-time chef and mum.

Collaboration with the Sensible Sentencing TrustThe march is in collaboration with the Sensible Sentencing Trust and will have a legal element.

“I feel the case should have gone to trial. There should be a voice for children,” said mother and Neighbourhood Pizzeria chef Mrs Murphy, referring to the reduction of the murder charges to manslaughter.

They believe prevention and support should be the primary focus of change.

“We can blame people all we want but that’s not going to change anything” said Ms Mackey, who has left her job and will use her time to organise the march and continue the post-march campaign.

“Generational cycles can be broken if people are given the right support and are shown compassion, trust and love,” Mrs Ennis-Reynolds said.

Inspired by their involvement in Justice for Moko, the new friends are eager to continue their campaign.

“We knew from the first day we met that this was not just about the march, it was something much bigger,” Ms Mackey said.

The women would like anyone who is interested in joining a community support group to sign a registry that will circulate at the march.

“We’re just ordinary people trying to do something because we care,” Mrs Ennis-Reynolds said.

The group say they have had support from the public and local organisations such as Ka Pai Kaiti, who hosted a banner and placard-making session for the march.

Justice for Moko Gisborne will occur at 9am on Monday June 27, coinciding with other rallies scheduled to take place nationwide on the day Moko’s killers are to be sentenced in the high court at Rotorua.

Supporters of this peaceful protest are asked to meet at Marina Park at 8:45am and to wear dark blue, the colour of the international ribbon for child abuse prevention.

The march will travel to the Gisborne courthouse, where a ceremony with guest speakers will be held.