Yes, it was massive FAIL when the Registrar accepted that wording. It's certainly in their power not to do so, and especially since there was quite a stink about it when the referendum was mooted.

Heh, yes, due to some Unseemly Influence I've previously been exposed to, I made that exact comparison on a kiwi blog where people were discussing the issue. Not so much the more nuanced part about it being more about the deliverer, but the fact that if positive reinforcement works - and physical punishment hasn't been shown to work better - then why wouldn't you prefer that method as much as possible?

But you're right, it is about the deliverer and the fucked-up behaviour they want to hold onto and justify. It's the major component in why the people behind these campaigns disgust me.