Pacific people’s experiences of abuse in care Ngā wheako o ngā uri o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa e pā ana ki te tūkinotanga nā te ringa taurima
Noa'ia, Mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Tālofa, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Mālō nī, Talofa lava, Tēnā koutou katoa.
The Government has acknowledged that a significant number of those removed from their families and placed in care were from Pacific communities, and that Pacific people have been adversely impacted by abuse in care.
Pacific people were encouraged to migrate to Aotearoa post-war for mainly labour intensive related jobs. The ‘Dawn Raids’ and other Government laws, policies and practices which followed have had, and continue to have, a negative impact on Pacific families, communities and society.
Faith-based care
For Pacific people, life has traditionally been built around the family, the Church and the village. In Aotearoa, the Church has often taken on the role of the village as well, and leaders within the Church held in the highest regard. Combined with core Pacific values (including, but not limited to, humility and respect towards authority), many Pacific survivors of abuse remain silent.
The Pacific people’s investigation examined themes and survivor experiences across all State and faith-based settings where abuse of Pacific people occurred.
Public hearing: Tulou - Our Pacific Voices: Tatala e Pulonga