As our community struggles to accept the fact that we have lived with two paedophiles in our midst for some time now, it seems timely that I write and praise some amazing young people who, as this whole saga has revealed, also live amongst us. It has takenenormous courage, determination and undying bravery for those who were taken advantage of to speak up to ensure that no more children will become victims at these men's hands.
As the news articles last week revealed there have been times when even the adults got it wrong, and so nothing changed. However, through our young people's persistence, two men are now in custody and hopefully all of us will be more vigilant if we have suspicions of wrong-doing, where the vulnerable are concerned, in future.
All children have the right to a happy childhood and adolescence. As parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and all members of any extended family, let's make sure our tamariki feel happy and loved every day. Only then we will gain their trust, making our region a safer place to be.
To all those who spoke up, thank you for being so brave and heroic. Know that you really are heroes in our community.
