Restoring the mana of our most vulnerable
In 2018 the Labour-led coalition government established the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. This came after years of lobbying from survivors, community leaders, iwi Māori, the Human Rights Commission and the United Nations. The inquiry is investigating why people were taken into care, the abuses that took place, and the lasting impact on survivors. It is specifically focusing on Māori, Pasifika and disabled people because of the disproportionate representation of these communities in the care system. Nā ANNA BRANKIN.
most of us have at least an inkling of the history of abuse in the New Zealand care system, whether that be through first-hand experience or through stories shared by our loved ones. These stories are all too common, with details ranging from neglect to physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological abuse. There is no redress sufficient to right these wrongs, but many survivors of these experiences are determined to speak up in the hope that no one else will suffer as they have.
The long-awaited inquiry is looking at the way that tamariki, rangatahi and vulnerable adults were treated in state care or faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999, including girls’ and boys’ homes, youth justice residences, foster care, psychiatric and disability care and different types of schools. It will run over several years, with the Royal Commission expected to make a final report and recommendation to the Governor-General in January 2023. The inquiry is led by a chair, four commissioners, a counsel
Above: April Mokomoko and her partner Albie Epere protesting outside Parliament in 2016. PHOTOGRAPH: AARON SMALE TE KARAKA MAKARIRI 2020 15
