For the sake of our community, and most importantly our tamariki (children), we believe it's our right to know who the sexual offenders are living among us. We trust that our government acts in the best interest of its citizens, placing their safety as a top priority, however, the current practice of keeping the sex offender register private questions this commitment.

In countries such as the United States and United Kingdom, similar registers are made accessible to the public, allowing families and individuals to protect themselves accordingly (sources: US Department of Justice; UK Home Office). Most of us feel a stern responsibility to keep our community safe, particularly for our young ones, our tamariki.

Secrecy surrounding these predators only benefits the offenders, not the potential victims. It is crucial that we rectify this, as the current private sex offender register does not align with our collective need for safety and transparency.

Let us remind the government of New Zealand that their duty is to protect their citizens first. We call for the New Zealand Sex Offender Register to be made publicly accessible. This crucial step will instill a sense of security within our society and allow us to ensure the safety of our whanau and friends. Sign the petition if you agree.