I think alot of NZ'ers were disgusted, not due to the fact that they weren't allowed to hit their children, but that they had their freedom taken from them.

I am a parent also and I believe in being able to do whatever I want, when I want. However, hitting your child is wrong. Looking at the parents/caregivers that have beaten their defenseless children, killed them even. I understand the why, but punishing parents for giving their child a smack on the bottom for being out of order i.e. the kid almost runs onto the road is not cool. Words hurt also and can have just as much of an impact as a smack on the hand.

She will be one of those politicians that will go down in NZ history, however not for the good she has done but she will always be remembered as the lady that took people's freedom away from them.