Marching for Moko

March for Moko. Aucklanders march from Aotea Square to the Viaduct via Queen St in support of bringing family violence out into the open. 22 May 2016 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Nick Reed. NZ

Thousands of demonstrators are set to join together this Monday in a series of nationwide protests.

The Justice for Moko march will take place across the country outside several different courthouses, including Palmerston North.

The march has been planned to coincide with the sentencing of Tania Shailer and David Haerewa -- the duo charged with the manslaughter of Moko Rangitoheriri.

The three-year-old was in their care for approximately two months, suffering horrific abuse before he died.

March spokeswoman Jas Fisher, who lives in Levin, said she became involved after a co-organiser reached out.

"They didn't have enough people so I was sent a message and asked if I wanted to help."

The mother and grandmother said she's been busy distributing flyers and putting up posters in the hope of making the Palmerston North event one of New Zealand's biggest.

"We've had meetings with the courts to ensure we have everything sorted such as traffic management and we really want people to know this is going to be a peaceful protest."

The march will begin at 9am and will finish in The Square, where public speakers will address the topic of child abuse.

"The response we have had so far has been huge ... it's amazing," Ms Fisher said. "There are so many people sick of reading these stories; it's our time to say we want change and we want to stop this plea bargaining."

Shailer and Haerewa were originally charged with Moko's murder but then pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of manslaughter.

"I have my own 10-month-old grandson and we often sit here thinking, 'how could someone ... ?'," Ms Fisher said.

"We know the public is completely behind us."

The Palmerston North City Council has also offered organisers its support by lighting the clocktower in blue from Monday.

Those wanting to participate can bring along their own signs and are being encouraged to sign a petition asking the Government to stop downgrading murder charges. A Givealittle page has also been established by organisers to fund a referendum to change the legislation surrounding plea bargaining.

March for Moko, Palmerston North courthouse 9am, Monday June 27. For more information visit Facebook: Stand up NZ - Justice for Moko.