The death of Moko Rangitoheriri has sparked marches and demonstrations across the country, after details of how the three-year-old boy was killed were made public.

At the Rotorua High Court today, the pair who pleaded guilty to his manslaughter will be sentenced by Justice Katz.

Rotorua Daily Post reporter Stephanie Arthur-Worsop said details about Moko's last days prompted a huge community response.

"When the summary of facts came out in the public arena, there was a lot of public outrage in what Moko went through, and that really was the big driver behind these marches."

David Haerewa and Tania Shailer pleaded guilty to a summary of facts revealing the toddler was kicked, slapped, stomped on and bitten - leading to internal bleeding and septic shock from his leaking bowel.

A coroner's inquiry into the circumstances of Moko's death will also take place.

As many as 2000 people are expected to take to Rotorua's streets today to make their voices heard on the sentencing.

Family First are one of the groups planning to be at the 'Justice for Moko' marches today.

National Director Bob McCoskrie said so there's only so much the community can do and law changes need to happen.

He said when it's obvious the injuries will cause death, the plea bargain for manslaughter should not be allowed because simply put - it is murder.

"It seems completely wrong that violent child abusers can get manslaughter when the child victim gets a life sentence, and the problem with the Moko case is that it continues to set a dangerous precedent for how we deal with child abuse."

He said the finger is often pointed at communities to speak up but this time politicians need to reflect the revulsion the community feels.