The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry State Redress hearing starts today in Auckland.

Commissioners will hear from two witnesses. Witness evidence summaries are outlined below.

After witness speak, their full evidence, along with footage of them speaking, will available for download here.

The hearing is being live-streamed here.

The State Redress hearing is open to media (limited numbers) but closed to the public because of Covid social distancing restrictions.

Hearing location: Level 2, 414 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023.

21 September

10.00am (approx.):

Opening statements

10.45am (approx.):

Cheryl Munro on behalf of James Packer

James Packer is Ngāti Maniapoto. James is Deaf and has Aspergers syndrome.  On his behalf, his mother, Cheryl Munro, will give evidence of the many attempts by him, and his family, to get the Ministry of Education to engage with his claims of abuse in a special Deaf school.  He will also give evidence of his claim against the Crown Health Financing Agency for abuse he suffered while admitted as a patient in a psychiatric hospital.

2.15pm (approx.):

Keith Wiffin

Keith Wiffin will give evidence of his experience in making a claim against the Ministry of Social Development in relation to abuse he suffered while at Epuni Boys’ Home and in family homes. He will discuss how the process of making a claim and the response from MSD affected him and make recommendations as to how claims processes could be improved.

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Media enquiries: 027 298 2094; media@abuseincare.org.nz