‘It’s not just about us’

The Government’s apology for the abuse suffered by children and vulnerable adults in state care has been described as a historic moment for recognition and accountability.

However, for Pacific survivors, the apology is the beginning of a long journey toward justice and healing.

Survivors Fa’afete Taito and Adrian Sam Bradley share their stories.

“A moment we waited for”

For Taito, the apology was a long-awaited acknowledgment of the suffering endured by thousands of survivors.

Yet, the day brought mixed emotions.

“It’s a moment that we waited for, and it arrived,” Taito said.

Taito was made a state ward and sent to Owairaka Boy's home in the 1970s and his account of abuse and neglect in care set him up on a pathway to becoming a fully patched gang member at the age of 17. Photo/Joseph Safiti

“I don’t see words of an apology as accountability,” he added.

“It’s what you do to heal the wounds, the actions, and make sure it never happens again that really counts… Is it genuine? Is it just? Is it fair? In time, we will all find out as survivors whether the redress and the apology were genuine.”

The shame factor

Pacific survivors have long faced unique challenges in coming forward.

“Our people are very God-fearing people,” Taito said.

“They believe in forgiveness... that if God wanted retribution for the abuses, then God would have done that.”

He said it took three attempts before he could share his story with the Royal Commission.

Bradley shared similar sentiments, describing how whakama (shame) has silenced many Pacific and Māori men.

“It took me a long time to come forward... but I said, no, that’s not right. You have to talk about it. People must know the truth.

“This is our national shame. It’s not just about us; it’s about ensuring it never happens again.”

Enough’s enough: Doubts about change

Bradley, who experienced severe abuse in a boys’ home, questioned whether the apology signalled real change.

“They were sitting there talking about treatment of rangatahi, and I’m thinking, it’s still happening.”

Taito raised his concerns about the current care system, saying it remains unsafe for Pacific and Māori children.

“No, I don’t believe for one minute it’s changed,” he said, pointing to government policies like boot camps and repealing protective legislation.

“The system hasn’t improved; it’s not safe for our kids who go into state care,” he added.

Taito emphasised that addressing systematic issues is key like root causes such as poverty and social inequality.

“Something has to change. It’s not about addressing it after they’re in state care; we have to address it before they get to that point.”

Bradley also called for proper compensation, saying survivors have endured decades of trauma.

Bradley says abuse in care is still happening. Photo/Joseph Safiti

“We were sent to these places, and you guys failed us. We deserve better than peanuts. Have some respect for us.”

Healing and justice: A Pacific perspective

For Taito, healing is central to justice.

“Survivors have, for so long, lived their life of undiagnosed trauma…No amount of redress will matter if you don’t heal your trauma.”

Bradley pushed for more Pacific and Māori survivors to speak up about their experiences and acknowledged that healing would take time.

“It’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to cry about it. It’s all right… be strong. Tell your story. The people need to know. This country needs to know.”

A call for kotahitanga

Both survivors called for unity and collaboration to ensure the past is not repeated.

“It's just humbling to come here and to be a part of this. I know there's thousands of people there that should have been here.

“All I can say to my Māori people and my Pacific people is our king said it, kotahitanga.”

Taito added that the solutions must go beyond words.

“Unless we call it out, it’ll keep on happening…Justice isn’t just about compensation; it’s about ensuring our mokopuna are safe in the future.”