CYF removes discretion to visit

Had enough of the rugrat already today?

Thinking of whacking the little brat into next week?

Think again.

If we've come to see you it is usually because someone has told us they are concerned about your child

The CYF Stormtroopers are coming to visit you for those thoughts.

When the social worker has finished gathering information they will either close your case and nothing more needs to be done, or they will keep working with you to help your family be strong

Bollocks, once on their books, you will be there till you depart this mortal coil.

Makes a mockery of this.

John Key said the new safeguards "give parents comfort they will not be criminalised for lightly smacking their children

Yes, even Mr Plod is spreading a political message.

Police Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope said there had been confusion created during the debate about the law change.

No confusion at all. Expect a social worker to be sticky-beaking at your front door ready to interrogate the rugrat because a nosy do-gooder has interpreted the law as it is written.

A lot of that is probably misunderstanding of the role police would have in applying the law and the potential consequences

No misunderstanding here. Section 59 criminalises parents. And CYF will visit. Without discretion.