Media Release from the Family Law Section

25 October 2001

Fathers’ role valued

The Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society has moved quickly to distance itself from a call for there to be a national "Men's Day of Shame" coinciding with Fathers Day. The call reportedly came from Auckland barrister Denise Ritchie speaking at an international conference in Bangkok dealing with issues relating to the commercial exploitation of children, including the child sex trade.

It initially received immediate support from the Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay.

However, the Family Law Section has rejected the suggestion as ill considered and foolish. Family Law Section Chair Anita Chan said that Fathers Day was an opportunity to highlight the commitment and contribution of fathers to families in New Zealand.

The well being of the children of this country is significantly enhanced by good and effective fathering and there is every reason to celebrate this fact and support an important part of the family unit."

Ms Chan said that to convert this family day into a statement of solidarity for the child victims of sexual abuse here and overseas would detract from the significance of Fathers Day and do little to address the underlying concerns that the Bangkok conference was apparently considering.