December 31, 2024

Battler recognised for his incredible advocacy

Waatea Team Posted On December 31, 2024

Mr Paul Zentveld has been advocating for the redress for survivors and recognition of events which occurred at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (Lake Alice Unit). Mr Zentveld made a successful claim on the torture experienced by children at the Lake Alice Unit to the United Nations Convention Against Torture in 2017. His contributions have helped highlight the abuse and torture suffered by approximately 360 children and vulnerable adults between 1972 and 1978. He has used his personal experience and challenged the response to the abuse experienced at the Lake Alice Unit. His tireless advocacy across several years culminated in a formal acknowledgement by the government of the abuse and torture of children and young adults at the Lake Alice Unit. His contribution to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions has helped inform the Lake Alice Unit section of the report. Mr Zentveld has been actively involved in the inquiry, particularly through engagement with diverse survivor groups, Ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials and independent agencies.

“Without Paul the chances are the voices of many might never have been heard – in my eyes he deserves this recognition and more – but in all honesty, his fight ha just begun. He has taken and held the hill – now its time to raise the flag on behalf of the many and the few” said former Ministry for Children Chair Matthew Tukaki.

Paul becomes a Member of the Kings Service Order.