8 Comments
User's avatar
Aroha's avatar

There is such an impenetrable shroud of silence over ANYTHING to do with iwi initiatives of which this is only one example. I'm at a loss to know how to get the media in general to stop being such cowards. Keep at it Matua Kahurangi, keep hammering.

Expand full comment
David Hancock's avatar

It feels like a travesty to place a bloody “like” on this story. We take a close look at the picture. Zoom in and see the truth written plainly in the faces. The deep secrets. The pain. Maybe generational pain too but yes you are right to hide this stuff away and not face it is a very sorry state.

I worked once with a foster couple not unlike those two who lived in Brewarrina in Western NSW. That was a kind of happy story though because although that couple were from broken aboriginal homes they took in children from other broken aboriginal homes and actually cared and looked after them. They were well paid by government but did their caring role well…..Such a tough job. God bless those who do it well.

Expand full comment
Michele Bishop's avatar

Unbelievable and absolutely speechless. That tart lambasting Karen Chour about how maori know better. She should be out of parliament, along with the TPM party. It sounds very much like anything and everything to do with maori children - in fact maori anything, should be scrutinised -people and penny wise. Everything appears to be a scam for money. And worst of all, it's the little ones who pay the ultimate price.

Expand full comment
Mike Houlding's avatar

Wow...again. The Minister(s) involved in the Ministry for Children, the Social Wellbeing Agency, and Ministerial portfolios for Child Poverty, and for the Prevention of Family Violence need to know that WE KNOW about this.

Expand full comment
David Hancock's avatar

In all probability Karen Chhour does know, but it's a hell of a job now. The issue is so bloody big. It needs a Minister prepared to shout and threaten and I don't know where you find such a person.......

Expand full comment
Skarlett Starr's avatar

😳

Speechless

Expand full comment
caroline -'s avatar

The whole OT and Family Court system are shrouded in privacy. From personal experience, as a Guardian and caregiver for a child, the abusers are the ones who are being protected by privacy laws.

The victims are continued to be abused all the time their abusers are hiding behind privacy laws.

It is not just a Maori issue, non-maori children also continue to be at risk as abusers are being hidden by the system.

Expand full comment
David Hancock's avatar

You are so right. Caring for children that have suffered abuse is not for "the faint of heart". I've never done it and I don't think I could but I have met and witnessed a little of what it entails. Why don't you write a little about your experiences?

Expand full comment