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The killers of 3-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri have been sentenced to 17 years' jail each.
In the High Court at Rotorua today, Justice Sarah Katz said it was the highest sentence imposed in New Zealand for manslaughter against a child.
She said while Tania Shailer and David Haerewa struggled to cope with their circumstances, other families in similar situations did not brutalise and kill the children in their care.
There was a large crowd outside the court for the sentencing, as well as rallies and marches outside courts throughout the country.
Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox, who spoke to the Gisborne gathering, says she was disappointed they didn't get life sentences.
She says it's important now to look at ways to stop the same thing happening to other tamariki.
"My message today was about strengthening families, growing love, that it's not just a governmental problem, it's a whole of population issue. It's been going on for far too long – 206 babies killed through violent acts from 1993 to now," Ms Fox says.
She's proposing an "unplugged day", when whanau turn off all their devices and engage in talk or play as a family.
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