By Adam Hollingworth
The mother of the Kahui twins, Macsyna King's book Breaking Silence went on sale today.
Although stores like The Warehouse and Paper Plus refused to stock it, others like Whitcoulls, Relay Books and some Dymocks franchises have done so.
Breaking Silence sparked a Facebook campaign to have it banned and some stores heeded the call, but it went on sale in Whitcoulls today with profits going to charity.
“We realise there is some opposition to this book and we do understand that sentiment," Whitcoulls said in a statement.
“However, we are equally aware that some readers are keen to read King's story in her own words.”
"As booksellers, Whitcoulls' role is not one of censorship. People have a right to choose what they read as long as the content falls within the law."
Student Jessica Hemmings bought the book because she wanted to judge for herself.
“I think you really have to read the book before you can make a decision. I think that it's something that's a New Zealand story and I think you may as well read it before you make a decision,” she says.
In the book, Ms King blames former partner Chris Kahui for the deaths of their three-month-old twins’ Chris and Kru, even though the jury found him not guilty.
In court, his lawyer blamed Ms King and says she should never have written the book.
“I'm slightly bemused as to the reasons why because all the matters in the book were covered during a six-week trial and were determined by the jury,” says Lorraine Smith, Chris Kahui’s lawyer.
Despite the allegations, the police refuse to comment on the case or book while the Coroner's Inquest is ongoing. But say they will assess and investigate any new information that comes to their attention.
3 News