On 12 November 2024, Parliament gathered to apologise to those who were tortured, sexually, physically and psychologically abused while in the care of the State between 1950 and 1999.
This abuse also happened in faith-based organisations charged with this responsibility by the State.
The Royal Commission began to investigate in 1998 and heard from 3000 survivors. This took five years. I have only read parts of the report because it comprises many volumes and it is harrowing. It records unimaginable stories of abuse. I relay only one story here.
In 1977, a youth programme or 'Boot Camp' was started on Aotea, Great Barrier Island founded by the Department of Māori Affairs. It deliberately isolated children and emphasised military discipline. Staff estimated 80% of the children sent were Māori. The children were between 12 and 16 years old. The ‘carers' had guns and some used them to sexually assault children. Sexual and physical abuse were habitually used as punishment. The State funded the programme until 2004 but failed to monitor or safeguard the children sent to the camp. It ignored repeated disclosures by victims of abuse.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry document – Boot Camp: Te Whakapakari Youth Programme – A case study of State-Funded violence and abuse of children and young people needing care and protection, states:
“Research demonstrates that ‘boot camps’ and other harsh ‘short sharp shock’ interventions for youth are ineffective at reducing repeat offending. In 1983, before Whakapakari was approved as a provider of State care, Department of Justice research found that 71 percent of young people reoffended within 12 months of release. In 1988, reconviction rates of young offenders in these settings were 92 percent, the highest of any sentence in that year. This was finally recognised by the Department of Child, Youth and Family in 2004 when it ceased funding of Te Whakapakari Youth Trust, citing research that ‘boot camp’ type environments do not effect positive change, especially to reduce reoffending.”
All governments over this long period must accept they failed these children and thousands of others. We caused immeasurable harm and suicides, addiction and higher imprisonment has been directly related to this abuse in State and Faith-based care.
The Labour Party sincerely apologised for its part in this. I am involved as Associate Justice spokesperson along with other MPs in digesting the report and learning lessons. I take that responsibility very seriously. If any constituent wishes to reach out, please contact my office.
I am incredibly sad to hear that Nikki Kaye has passed away. I got to know her when I stood for the Auckland Central Seat. I was impressed by her political spectrum. I remember calling her cancer “gnarly”, which was understated to say the least but typical of her approach to adversity. I will miss her. I want to extend my earnest sympathy to her whanau.
(HELEN WHITE)
Email mtalberteco@parliament.govt.nz or phone T: 09 845 1919.
For more info: www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/survivors-of-abuse-in-care-carry-thousands-of-ribbons-to-parliament/YLBZCUPAHIX36FVNB3C6MYSKDA/
helen.white@parliament.govt.nz www.labour.org.nz/HelenWhite