Google should take down website

25 January 2007
For Immediate Release

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes says he is disappointed that the website attacking Child, Youth and Family staff is still live and gaining more exposure through the media.

“I want the defamatory material attacking our staff removed and we will continue to look at all avenues open to us to do this. We have formally told Google the site is putting my staff and their families at risk and it needs to be removed.  We are working with Crown Law and are being assisted by the Police and the PSA to support our staff,” says Peter Hughes.

“This website and many of the comments on it are made by people who have either not taken their complaints through the correct channels or having done so, have not had their claims substantiated, and they remain aggrieved.

“This is not about us wanting to silence criticism. This is about our staff being subjected to abuse and risk. For those with concerns, contact me, the Children’s Commissioner, the Minister, or the Ombudsman.

“I can’t promise that we will always get it right but I can promise that our social workers will continue to work hard for our children and young people in what is a tough job in a stressful environment.

“Now it is time to let my staff go back to what they are here to do, protecting the interests of our children and young people. We need to let them get on with their work without to worry about their safety or that of their families.

“This website totally lacks integrity and I will not breathe life into it by commenting further,” concludes Peter Hughes.

Note to Editors:

For clarity’s sake, we reassert the ministry’s position that material contained within the blog is defamatory in nature of our staff and caregivers named. We are concerned that further publication of the defamatory material will aggravate the harm being caused to those named. We wish to remind you that any republication will be considered by the Ministry as a knowing dissemination of the defamatory material.

For further information please contact Media Advisor Jane Mortlock on 04 9163496.