About the hearing 

The Inquiry heard from survivors about the physical, sexual, emotional or psychological and cultural abuse they experienced in foster care and what impact this has had on them and their whānau. 

The Inquiry also heard from experts who spoke to attachment, disconnection, trauma, Te Ao Māori, child welfare and social welfare practise and gave insights into the kaupapa being addressed by the hearing. 

The hearing explored themes such as: 

• the impact of abuse and multiple placements had on a survivor, including the survivor's ability to form and maintain secure relationships post their time in care 
• the impact of being removed or separated from whānau, culture and whakapapa 
• the survivor’s account of not being seen, heard, supported and cared for while they were in foster care, how children were disbelieved and discouraged from making complaints about their treatment. 

Distressing content warning

This material contains explicit descriptions of tūkino – abuse, harm and trauma – and may evoke strong negative, emotional responses for readers. Although this response may be unpleasant and difficult to tolerate, it is also appropriate to feel upset. Respect others’ truths, breathe deeply, take care of your spirit and be gentle with your heart. However, if you or someone in your close circle needs support, please contact your healthcare or wellbeing provider.

Hearing schedule

Outlined below are the survivors and experts that spoke at the hearing. Witness statements, briefs of evidence, video footage and transcripts of their testimony can be accessed through the links below. 

Day 1: 13 June 2022

• Opening statements 
• Hemi McCallum (Statement read by Hemi’s niece Tania Tonga and his sister, Dannette Carran, on his behalf) 
• Mr EH 
• Ms Elison Mae
• Dr Sarah Calvert

Day 2: 14 June 2022

• Dr Sarah Calvert
• Mr EC
• Kath Coster
• Dr Tania Cargo
• Dr Alayne Mikahere-Hall

Day 3: 15 June 2022

• Ms ED
• Stephen Shaw
• Associate Professor Emily Keddell and Dr Ian Hyslop
• Alex Kaspin – note that this part of the hearing was closed to the public to protect the privacy of survivors and witnesses

Day 4: 16 June 2022

• Ms EJ
• Ms EF
• Ms EM – note that this part of the hearing was closed to the public to protect the privacy of survivors and witnesses 
• Ms EL – note that this part of the hearing was closed to the public to protect the privacy of survivors and witnesses 
• Erica Dobson and audio by Darryl Brougham (Erica’s late brother and survivor) and reading from Darryl Brougham’s book, “Through the Eyes of a Foster Child My Childhood in Over 30 New Zealand Homes”, by Darryl’s widow, Emily Gao. 

Day 5: 17 June 2022

Survivor-led panel 

• Dr Tania Cargo, Facilitator
• Neta Kerepeti
• Dallas Pickering
• Kath Coster
• Dr Ian Hyslop 
• Dr Sarah Calvert

Panel 1 discussion

• Dr Ian Hyslop, Facilitator
• Elison Mae
• Frederick Williams
• Lady Tureiti Moxon
• Dr Moana Eruera
• Dr Valerie McGinn

Panel 2 discussion

• Dr Ian Hyslop, Facilitator
• Neta Kerepeti
• Liua Vatuvei
• Denis Smith
• Dr Alayne Mikahere-Hall
• Dr Teuila Percival
• Dr Tania Cargo

Closing submissions