Hundreds of people have marched through Kaitaia in an anti-abuse hikoi which coincided with the latest court appearance of former Kaitaia teacher James Parker.
Parker, 37, who taught at Pamapuria School for around 12 years, last year admitted 49 charges of sexual offending involving around a dozen boys.
Police then laid a further 23 charges after the initial admission, when more children came forward.
It's on these charges that he is appearing in Kaitaia District Court today. In the dock, he cried and kept his head down.
After hearing from Parker's lawyer this afternoon, the judge will give an indication of what sentence would be appropriate for Parker.
Locals say the 'Enough is Enough' hikoi being held in the town aims to confront a problem long ignored.
"This is an interest in children… we want [the problem] contained in our society, so therefore we have to claim the problem and that's what this hikoi must be about – it's our problem, the whole of New Zealand, it's our problem," says Fiona Lovat-Davis, a former principal of Pamapuria School.
Ms Lovat-Davis refused to enforce Parker's teacher's registration when allegations first arose of him showering and sleeping with students, 15 years ago.
At the time Parker rallied the community against her, but now Ms Lovat-Davis says the community is standing together.
"It's coming back to stand with people who didn't stand beside me years ago – that's irrelevant."
She says she is proud Kaitaia is rising to put children first.
"Sixteen years of abuse so widespread, at such an extent, if Kaitaia can get it right then it shows the rest of the country, 'Hey what about your town?'"
Demonstrations have also been held in Auckland, Whangarei and Hastings.
3 News / NZN / RadioLIVE
source: newshub archive
