I have Huge Respect for this woman.

December 12, 2009 by
Filed under: Life in New Zealand 

Yesterday, in the Wellington High Court, a woman defied the judge who had censored her Victim Impact Statement.

This is something you may not have seen outside New Zealand – I certainly don’t remember ever hearing about it in the UK. But here, prior to sentencing – the victim’s families are allowed to stand up and make a statement in court about the effect the crime has had on them and their family. It gives the victim’s family a voice that they do not generally get – and I always thought it was great thing for New Zealand to do.

However – these statements can be censored – and like a lot of things in New Zealand – there’s the picture you get to see (open justice and fairness to victims) and then there’s the less palatable truth (censorship).

Mihi Tuhoro was murdered by her violent partner and stuffed in a Wardrobe for a month.

Yesterday, the victim’s niece, Gordene Tuhoro defied the censoring of her statement, and read it in its entirety. It was a hugely brave thing to do – defying a judge in a court of law. But I think she was right. While what she did can never bring her Aunty back, she stood up not just for her and her family, but everyone else whose “Victim Impact Statements” are being censored so as not to show a low life murderer in a bad light.

This censorship of Victims Rights also occurred recently in another High Profile Case – that of the murder of Sophie Elliot. Sophie’s Family (indeed all of New Zealand) had to sit by and watch her murderer Clayton Weatherston behave appallingly in court. And then when they had a chance to say to him what they needed to – they were denied the right.

Hopefully, Gordene Tuhoro’s stand will have a bearing on the Justice Minister as he attempts to tidy up the law so that victims are not censored in future.

The full Victim Impact statement can be read here.

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Comments

2 Comments on I have Huge Respect for this woman.

  1. Gordene Tuhoro on Sat, 12th Dec 2009 4:23 pm

    2. Wow…..thank you soooo much!!! It was extremely nervewracking to defy the courts but my heart has contentment now as i truly believe my aunty has finally been given the justice she deserved.
    My aunty’s name was dragged thru the mud in the courtroom for 3 weeks to somehow justify her brutal death & yet when it was our time to rectify those wrongs we ( my mother & I ) were told we couldn’t???

    I don’t wish this situation on anyone but if it does happen to you….please speak your mind and your heart and stand up for your loved one as I did!!!!

  2. Avalon on Sat, 12th Dec 2009 11:38 pm

    3. You are very welcome.

    I saw your segment on the news last night, and I thought you showed incredible grace and beauty of spirit; not just in what you said, but the way you said it. I really did think it was truly inspiring – and I think that more people will take a stand as you did becuase of what you did.

    I hope you stand proud – not just for what you did for you – but as you said – taking back yoru Aunt’s Dignity and Mana.

    I wish you and your mum peace – because I truly believe you deserve it.

    Helen xxx

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