The child abuse scandal rocking the Catholic Church widened this week as a leading German bishop personally appointed by Pope Benedict was accused of beating and punching children at a church-run home.

Smacking children may be creeping back into favour following Government assurances that police will not prosecute parents for "light smacks", according to a new survey.

A 27-year-old Tongan man made a brief appearance in North Shore District Court this morning accused of attacking a toddler.

Police have charged a man with assault as a 2-year-old girl fights for her life in hospital.

Today, a 19 year old Taupo man was jailed for throwing a three month old baby, who wouldn't stop crying, onto the floor, causing life-threatening head injuries.

The adoptive parents of Anitelea Chan Kee - murderer of liquor store owner Navtej Singh - were jailed for horrific sexual and physical abuse of their niece.

Act MP David Garrett says he would not support a bill on voluntary sterilisation, he just wanted to promote debate on the issue.

A woman accused of murdering the toddler in her care told her cousin she thought he was sick the day he went to hospital, a court hears.

Act MP David Garrett has suggested parents with a history of child abuse should be given a $5000 incentive to be sterilised.

A panel of experts has recommended an alert system for all abusive mothers so officials know when they have more children.

An Auckland mother has been accused of having a sexual affair with the best friend of her 14-year-old son after plying him with alcohol.