Commissioners will hear from four 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). The link contains the full hearing schedule.

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

10.00am (approx.)

Tigilau Ness

Tigilau Ness is a first-generation New Zealand-born Niuean. A musician, political activist and member of the Polynesian Panthers, Tigilau will speak about his involvement in the social movement against the targeting of Pacific Islanders in the 1970s and 1980s and abuse of Pacific peoples while in State care.

11.45am (approx.)

Tesimoni Fuavao

Tesimoni Fuavao is a 66-year old man of Tongan descent. He and his family were dawn raided by the police in 1976. He will speak to the abusive treatment he and his family received, and the significant psychological impacts of the dawn raid which are far-reaching and still present to this day.

2.15pm (approx.)

Mr CE

Mr CE will share 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 School and Owairaka Boys’ Home where he experienced all forms of abuse. Samoan was Mr CE’s first language before he entered State care.  Following State care, he could no longer speak Samoan and will describe the impacts of the loss of his cultural identity.

3.45pm (approx.)

Ngatokorima Mauauri

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 care placements including foster care, Whakapakiri, Dingwall Trust, and Weymouth Boys’ Home. He speaks about navigating Pacific and Māori cultures, gang life and the impact of the abuse he suffered in State care.

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.