Foreword

The abuse of a child is one of the most abhorrent crimes that can be committed. Childhood should be a time in which a child can grow and develop while being loved and supported by their family, whanau and the community.

Every child who suffers from abuse and exploitation has their right to childhood stolen from them. The consequence of this abuse may be that they do not go on to lead a productive, rewarding and dignified life. To realise their dreams and goals as adults, children need a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow. There can be no greater investment than providing for the happy healthy development of young people in New Zealand.

After undertaking an extensive consultation process, involving government and non-government organisations involved in the prevention of exploitation of children, the New Zealand Government is pleased to present Protecting Our Innocence New Zealand's National Plan of Action against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Protecting Our Innocence provides a comprehensive examination of commercial sexual exploitation of children in New Zealand. It outlines the measures that government and non-government organisations are currently implementing to prevent and respond to child exploitation through prostitution, pornography and child trafficking. It also details further activities, which were identified during the development of the Plan of Action, that need to be actioned as New Zealand works toward the goal of eliminating the exploitation and abuse of children.

The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a global problem that will not be stopped by the actions of one country alone. New Zealand must continue to work with its neighbours in the Pacific and Asia, building co-operative relationships, to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

As educators, police officers, judges, policy makers, legislators, travel agents, community leaders, parents, and concerned citizens, this plan of action reminds us that we all have an important role to play in the protection of our children.

Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Justice