Commissioners will hear from two talanoa panels; one about pathways into care and the other about a Pacific lens on redress. The panel outlines and schedule are below.

Footage of the panels will be available for download following their conclusion.

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

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

Talanoa panels

Talanoa is a concept recognised in many Pacific island nations including Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Hawai’i and the Cook Islands. Broadly speaking, talanoa usually entails inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue between all parties without a set format or structure.

The talanoa panels are intended to lay down the first strands of weaving in what is hoped, over time, will become sturdy baskets of knowledge in each area. There will be further opportunities for community engagement and discussion around these topics following the Pacific hearing.

Session 1: Pathways into care

10.00am-1.00pm (approx.)

The first talanoa panel will explore structural, systemic, and contextual factors that led to Pacific children and young people entering care. Some of the complexities around addressing these issues will be canvassed, as well as the potential for developing systems underpinned by Pacific values and experiences. 

Facilitated by: Folasaitu Dr Julia Ioane

Panel members:
Dr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni
Cabrini ‘Ofa Makasiale
Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endeman MNZM JP
Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o MNZM

Session 2: A Pacific lens on redress

2.00pm-4:30pm (approx.)

The second talanoa panel will open a discussion around redress. Panellists will explore ideas around what effective redress principles, processes and systems might look like for Pacific survivors. 

Facilitated by: Helena Kaho

Panel members:

Dr Michael Fusi Ligaliga
Dorothy Alofivae
Dr Jean Mitaera
Dr Siautu Alefaio-Tugia 

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.