UPDATED 1.07PM The country is mourning the tragic loss of a child, while fiercely fighting for change.
VIDEO ABOVE: Auckland's Moko protest
Moko Rangitoheriri's killers are being sentenced this morning at the High Court in Rotorua - for manslaughter.
His caregivers, David Haerewa and Tania Shailer, so badly abused three-year-old Moko, that he died of the injuries.
Protestors say it should have been a trial for murder.
Moko's mother Nicola Dally Paki has just delivered a tearful victim impact statement in court.
She said she's angry, and upset that she didn't know of the torture her child was suffering, and that she couldn't see him through to his fourth Birthday.
"David - I do not know you well, but both you and Tania are monsters. Subjected my child to hell. I believe you subject your own child to hell as well. I feel for your children. My heart breaks for them."
Rotorua
Chants of "Justice for Moko" rung out through the streets of Rotorua.
Hundreds of protesters marched their way in heavy rain to the city's High Court where Moko's Rangitoheriri's killers are being sentenced.
Security has been boosted at the courthouse, with tensions rising ahead of the appearance of David Haerewa and Tania Shailer.
Kingi Biddle of Te Arawa was at the march in Rotorua.
"They've come to walk for Moko, they have come to walk for all of our tamariki, and I believe they have come to walk for us, for a future."
Kingi Biddle said people are showing they want that future to be one where everyone is safe.
Auckland
About 30 people braved torrential rain for the Justice for Moko event outside the Auckland High Court.
Glen Innes caregiver Tracey Williams came to protest his killers' manslaughter convictions.
"I can remember back to the Kahui twins, Lillybing, Nia Glassie. There's too many ... all these little children being abused and killed by people that are meant to care for them."
The 45-year-old mother of one said she "thought the bubbas would open up the skies for us", she said of the downpours which accompanied this morning's protest.
"But now I think it's all their tears."
Outside the High Court, speeches were followed by a roll call of children whose killers had murder charges plea-bargained down to manslaughter.
Tears in Heaven played as 47 doves were released to cheers from the hardy crowd.
It's pouring with rain but the pigeons are ready to go in Auckland #moko pic.twitter.com/Fma00iAhsY
— Alicia marèe Burrow (@Aliciamburrow) June 26, 2016
Christchurch
Over 100 people braved the wind and rain in Christchurch to come together in remembrance of not only Moko Rangitoheriri, but every child who has suffered abuse.
After a haka and songs, the crowd walked solemnly to Victoria Square.
In the quiet reflection, they dropped flowers into the river, and released balloons into the sky.
Almost 100 have gathered near the CHCH High Court in remembrance of Moko Rangitoheriri #MarchforMoko @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/p2b1GzZDfQ
— Charlotte Lewis-West (@clewiswest) June 26, 2016
National rally organiser Jayne Crothall addressed the crowd.
"Children cannot stop the abuse, but adults can. We can. You can."
Reporter Charlotte Lewis-West said the marchers had gathered near the Christchurch courts.
"There's a whole range of different people from the community - you've got young families, you've got the Bikers Against Child Abuse here, lots of young children as well, and of course the organisers - they've been putting up posters and handing out leaflets this morning, putting out donation buckets as well."
A Haka is done in memory of Moko and every child who has been a used #marchformoko @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/tyCyPK0gfI
— Charlotte Lewis-West (@clewiswest) June 26, 2016
Dunedin
A passionate crowd made its way to the High Court in Dunedin in its own march for Moko.
Reporter Matiu Workman said over 100 people braved a chilly morning at the Octagon where songs and poems were read out.'
Che'zevan-Jayd Grant leading the March for Moko. #marchformoko @newstalkzb pic.twitter.com/5EwXnY9olR
— Matiu Workman (@matiuworkman) June 26, 2016
He said a number of mothers brought their babies and toddlers to show their stand against family violence.
Placards telling New Zealand to stand up to family violence are also scattered amongst the large crowd.
Passion is evident from the group of people Marching for Moko @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/w7ekuxAogG
— Matiu Workman (@matiuworkman) June 26, 2016
Collaboration against Family Violence's Rob Thomson addressed the march in Dunedin.
"Make no mistake - this is a problem that's happening in Dunedin. We know family violence and partner violence is huge in Dunedin. Half of all our Police callouts are family violence related."
Napier
1200 people turned out at the High Court in Napier for the Justice for Moko Rally.
Labour MP Stuart Nash told the crowd that it's time to stop hiding the abusers.
"We've got to do better than this. We've got to speak up, because if your mates are doing this, if your family members are doing this, it is wrong."
Julie Hart from the Women's Refuge has told the crowd that New Zealand has become the country of the long white shroud.
"When did it become the norm to tell a child they are stupid or worthless or useless? When did it become ok for children to be deprived of a good, safe, loving mother and father for no other reason other than spite?"
Hastings
About 300 people gathered at the foot of the Hastings clock tower.
Jan Harkness stood with her daughter Shannen and one of her nine grandchildren waiting to sign the Justice for Moko petition.
“We’re just really feeling passionate about what’s happening to our children in New Zealand and they need someone to stand up for them,” Jan Harkness said.
Shannen Harkness said parents’ attitudes needed to change and people needed to know it was ok to ask for help.
Both women said it “hurts” hearing stories such as Moko’s.
“You just want to grab them and take them into your own home,” Shannen Harkness said.
Gisborne
Up to 500 people marched though the city to the Gisborne courthouse to add their voices to the call for "Justice For Moko".
Mothers, fathers, children, students from five schools, Mayor Meng Foon and community organisations turned-out to protest.
The peaceful march filled Gladstone Road as it moved towards the courthouse, protesters chanting ‘’L.O.V.E do it for your family’’ and "Enough is enough’’. Organiser Farrah Murphy was overwhelmed by the turnout.
When the march arrived at the courthouse there was a waiata and addresses from guest speakers, including Mr Foon and co-leader of the Maori party, Marama Fox.
"This cannot be our legacy . . . this is not our culture,’’ said Ms Fox, who detailed the child abuse she had seen within her own family.
Wellington
Labour leader Andrew Little wants to see the end of closed door plea bargains.
Addressing a 100-strong crowd in Wellington, he said underfunding of Crown Prosecutors is leading to a reluctance to go to trial.
"When it comes to the more serious crimes, particularly things like murder or the potential for murder, that's got to be dealt with by a jury not by lawyers talking amongst each other behind closed doors."
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