Child abuse claims raise queries about Maori culture

The case of a three-year-old girl who was allegedly hung from a washing line and spun in a tumble-dryer has reignited debate in New Zealand about the touchy subject of child abuse within Maori communities. . . . In many such cases, it has emerged that the victim's extended family knew the child was being mistreated. But it is Maori custom that people sort out their problems themselves, rather than report them to the police.