Greymouth mum marches for 15-month-old son who died last year

Kate Hutchison's son Leith died in traumatic circumstances last year. Photo / Greymouth Star

A Greymouth mother who lost her 15-month-old son to trauma last year, has called on the public to join her in a Greymouth "March for Moko'" this Friday.

Kate Hutchison said she was "sick and tired" of young children suffering violent deaths, especially after her own son Leith died in traumatic circumstances.

She has organised a march - which are happening up and down the country - "to make a difference".

"Everywhere you look there is something about children dying at the hands of someone who cares for them. We as adults are meant to love them - we are not meant to hurt them," Ms Hutchison said.

The Greymouth march will assemble in front of the fountain in Tainui St at midday, marching to Dixon Park.

She has asked those joining the march to dress in blue and if possible to carry with them a handprint of one of their children.

"We are the voices of the children. We have talked the talk, now we are going to walk the walk."

Already there was a lot of interest in the march.

"I will be there and I will march, but I don't care if it is just me and my family - we are still going to do it."

Another Greymouth mother Lisa Brewer last week launched a petition calling for the two killers, David Haerewa, 43, and Tania Shailer, 26, of baby Moko to be charged with murder. The pair have pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The death has also prompted a wave of marches around the country.

- Greymouth Star