February 05, 2020
Iwi asked to help abuse inquiry
The new chair of the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care has asked iwi leaders to encourage their people to give evidence and share what they know.
Judge Coral Shaw says she was impressed by the kōrero during the Iwi Chairs Forum at Waitangi yesterday, as they heard reports on the Māori inquiry into Oranga Tamariki and anti-child abuse initiatives in areas like Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu,
She says the royal commission needs to hear from iwi, hapū and individual Māori who have stories to tell or suggestions to make.
"We can’t make the stories up. We mustn't make the stories up. We must hear the true authentic voice. So that is what I was asking them to do, to consider standing alongside us and sharing their stories, their accounts, their experiences with us. So it's about asking their people to come forward and also asking iwi to come forward if they wish to help formulate solutions that are by Māori and for Māori," Judge Shaw says.
This afternoon Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Government Ministers met with the Iwi Chairs Forum.
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com