The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry Faith-based Redress hearing continues today in Auckland.

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

The hearing is being live-streamed here.

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

9 December

10:00am

Louise Deans

Ms Deans will give evidence about abuse experience while training to become an ordained Minister in the Anglican Church and the attempts to obtain redress.  Ms Deans is the author of the book Whistle Blower: Abuse of Power in the Church – a New Zealand Story.

11:45am

Margaret Wilkinson

Margaret Wilkinson’s evidence will describe the abuse she experienced at ‘St Mary’s Home for Unwed Mothers’ and her attempts to get Redress from ‘the Anglican Trust for Women and Children’. In 1964 at the age of 19 years old, Margaret was sent to St Mary’s for six months. Her baby daughter was taken from her by the Matron of the institution without her consent and concealed from Margaret who was forced to give the baby up for adoption. Margaret will give her evidence not only for herself but also on behalf of her support group ‘New Zealand Mothers of Loss to Adoption for Justice’ and she will highlight the political avenues she has taken in an attempt to reform the New Zealand Adoption Act 1955’

3.00pm

“Mrs D”

Mrs D gives evidence of her treatment (and the treatment of her children) within St Mary’s Home for unwed mothers, including the forced adoption of two of her children.  She also talks about her attempts for redress and the personal impact of both her treatment within the Anglican home and the subsequent interactions with the Church.

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. It will also consider experiences of abuse or neglect before outside these dates. After completing its investigations, it will make recommendations to the Governor General on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.