Kura signs now safe

The principal of a Te Kura Kaupapa o Rotoiti in the Bay of Plenty says his school bus signs are now the safest in the country.

The Maori immersion school has been in dispute with Land Transport New Zealand over the signs, which use the Maori word kura rather than the English school.

Hawea Vercoe says he has now added an internationally recognised pictorial sign above the word kura, showing an adult figure walking with a child.

Mr Vercoe says that will make sure other motorists know there are children on board, whatever language they speak.

Hawea Vercoe says Te Kura Kaupapa o Rotoiti has received a huge amount of support from other schools for its stand.

MINISTER HAPPY WITH CROSS PARTY START

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says the first of a planned series of cross party talks on tackling family violence and child abuse has confirmed the need for collective leadership on such issues.

Mr Horomia says politicians from all sides of the House were able to put their differences aside in the aftermath of the killing of the Kaahui twins.

He says they agreed more needs to be done.

The cross party group will meet again in two weeks.

HORROR PICS FOR PUFFERS

Smokefree Coalition head Shane Bradbrook says putting graphic images on cigarette packages should get to Maori smokers.

Australian Quitline has reported calls have jumped 200 per cent since Australian packets started featuring pictures of rotting mouths and gangrenous feet.

Mr Bradbrook says similar packaging will be introduced on this side of the Tasman next year, as the tide turns against smokers.

Shane Bradbrook says 47 percent of Maori smoke, compared with about 20 percent of non-Maori, so Maori need to be targeted.