Distressing content warning. Rachael Umaga is of Samoan descent. She gave evidence about her experiences as a patient in psychiatric units in Wellington. Rachael described the lack of care she received, the on-going practice of over-medicating

Distressing content warning. Joanna Oldham is of Tongan and Palangi descent. She was unaware of her Tongan ethnicity or culture growing up and speaks about the racism experienced within her family. Joanna shared her experience of sexual abuse by a

Distressing content warning. At the time of the hearing Dr Seini Taufa was the Research and Evaluation Lead for Moana Research. At the University of Auckland she taught in the areas of Social, Community and Pacific Health. Dr Taufa served in various

Distressing content warning. 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

Distressing content warning. At the time of the hearing Folasaitu Dr Julia Ioane was a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor in Psychology at Massey University. She continued to work directly with Pasifika children and families involved in

Distressing content warning. Ngatokorima Mauauri grew up immersed in both his Cook Island and Māori heritage. Very early in his life he was exposed to family violence and gang life which led to him spending periods of his youth in various State

Distressing content warning. 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

Distressing content warning. Mr TY is a Samoan male who was placed in Owairaka and Kohitere after running away from home at the age of 12. Mr TY ran away because of the abuse he was experiencing at home. He lived in a treehouse for three months

Distressing content warning. Mr CE shared his experience of migrating from Samoa with his family at a young age and his pathway into care following serious physical violence at home. Mr CE spent periods of time at Weymouth Boys’ Home, Hokio Beach

Distressing content warning. Associate Professor Hon. Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban DNZM QSO is a former New Zealand politician, of Samoan heritage. She became the country’s first female Member of Parliament of Pacific Island descent. Luamanuvao