My stepdaughter's innocence was shattered by an older male, a predator who was already on the child sex offenders register. Yet, here in New Zealand, the government protects the privacy and secrecy of these offenders over the innocent lives of our children, our tamariki. How many more families need to experience this heart-wrenching pain before change happens? It’s time to put the safety of our children first.

Child sex offences are among the most heinous crimes anyone can commit. The effect on the victim’s life is severe and often lifelong, yet the current system values the privacy of criminals more than the safety of the community. This secrecy denies parents and guardians the information they need to protect their children effectively. It perpetuates a cycle of fear, suspicion, and vulnerability.

A public registry of child sex offenders would serve as a vital tool in safeguarding our communities. When the public is informed, parents can take proactive measures to protect their children, neighbourhoods can stand strong and vigilant against potential threats, and offenders are held accountable for their actions beyond their sentence.

Several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have adopted public child sex offender registries as a way to protect children from known offenders. It is time for New Zealand to follow suit. By making these records public, we shift the focus from protecting offenders to empowering families.

Moreover, transparency and accessibility of this information would act as a deterrent for reoffending. Knowing that their actions will permanently place them in the public eye might make potential offenders think twice before acting on their impulses.

Change requires bold action and community support. By backing this petition, you are standing up for the safety of our children, pushing for legislative change that prioritizes their wellbeing over the privacy of offenders. We call upon the New Zealand government to create and implement a public register for all child sex offenders.

Please join us in demanding a safer future for our tamariki. Sign this petition to require a public register for all child sex offenders in New Zealand.