Commissioners will hear from three 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.)

Leota Scanlon

Leota Scanlon, a 58-year old man of Samoan descent, was a patient at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit.  Leota will talk about the abuse he suffered at Lake Alice, including electric shocks, paraldehyde injections, physical abuse and seclusion. He will share the ongoing effects of this abuse on his life including his mental health, lack of education and his relationships with his family.  

12.00pm (approx.)

Mr TY

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 before he was picked up by police and taken to Owairaka. Mr TY spent a lot of time in secure units and at the age of 60, is still haunted by the trauma he experienced in there.

3.00pm (approx.)

Billy Puka Tanu

Billy Puka Tanu is of Tokelauan and Māori descent. He talks about the key factors which led to him being placed in care, followed by his experiences of extensive abuse and differential treatment whilst in State care and in the care of the Salvation Army. He speaks to the long-lasting impacts of that abuse and shares his ideas for transformative change.

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.