A special hearing for Māori survivors (mōrehu) of abuse in state care came to a close on Friday. For two weeks at Orākei Marae in Tāmaki Makaurau a panel of experts heard the horrific experiences of 25 mōrehu.
New Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care began in 2018.
An interim report in 2020 found that around 250,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in care between 1950 to 2019 in New Zealand.
Ngā mōrehu (survivors) have spoken about their experiences not only of abuse but also racism, being separated from their whakapapa and taken away from their whānau, and the system's disregard of tikanga Māori.
Over 900 mōrehu, both Māori and non-Māori, have given evidence so far.
Following all hearings, the Royal Commission is expected to give its final findings in June 2022.
Here are seven mōrehu sharing their experiences.
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