I am circulating a petition requesting that the Government initiate a
full and comprehensive review of the entire legal and social system
currently in place dealing with separated families. I believe that
Family Law MUST change in order to fairly represent the interests of
ALL family members, but particularly the welfare of the children.
I want the House to recognize and acknowledge the untenable financial
and emotional position (sometimes leading to feelings of abject
despair) often imposed on fathers by the current use of legislation
relating to family separation, family courts and the care of children.
Many of the decisions made by family courts around the country have
effectively destroyed family relationships further (including
estranging grandparents, cousins and siblings from children), rather
than healing and strengthening them. The Family Court must finally be
made aware of the long term psychological, emotional and developmental
damage being inflicted on our children by their decisions. The basic
family structure in New Zealand has undergone significant change over
the past two decades and this trend appears set to continue. However
the systems currently in place do not adequately reflect the changing
nature of society, often forcing unwarranted and lengthy separations
of thousands of children from their fathers at a time when "KIDS NEED
THEIR DADS".