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

After a witness speaks their full evidence, along with footage of them speaking, will be available for download.

The hearing is being live-streamed on the Abuse in Care website(external link)(external link). The link contains the full hearing schedule.

Hearing location: Fale o Samoa, 141 Bader Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022

9.45am (approx.)

David Crichton

David Crichton (formerly David Mohi) spent around 17 years in care across numerous care placements. Only upon receiving his care files at the age of 30 did he discover his Samoan ethnicity and knowledge about his Samoan family. David speaks to the significant impacts resulting from the loss of his cultural identity, his experience of the Ministry of Social Development historical claims process and the difficulties in accessing his records from the various institutions who were responsible for his care. 

2.15pm (approx.)

Mr VT

Mr VT migrated from Samoa with his family in the 1980s. At primary school he came to the attention of the State due to physical violence in the home. Mr VT had many State care placements where he experienced different forms of abuse. Mr VT will speak to the circumstances leading to his entry into care, the abuse he experienced in care and the lasting impacts of that abuse. 

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

About the Abuse in Care Inquiry

The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry is investigating the abuse and neglect that happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 and 1999.