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January 13, 2026
#SummerSeries – The Stolen Children of Aotearoa: Confronting a Painful Past
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On January 13, 2026
A powerful new feature documentary, The Stolen Children of Aotearoa, is forcing Aotearoa to confront one of the most harrowing chapters in our nation’s history: the systemic abuse of children in state care. The film uncovers decades of neglect, violence and trauma experienced by tens of thousands of tamariki – many of whom were Māori – who were removed from their whānau and placed into institutions with devastating consequences.
Running for nearly two hours, the documentary blends raw testimony from survivors with historical context, archival material and investigative reporting. It traces how policies rooted in colonisation and racial bias funneled disproportionate numbers of Māori children into the care system between the 1950s and 2019, where many endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that has had lifelong impacts on individuals, whānau and wider Māori communities.
For many survivors, this abuse has left deep psychological and intergenerational scars – shaping their lives long after they left state institutions. The film also reflects on how trauma, disconnection from whakapapa and the social fallout of these policies contributed to ongoing cycles of disadvantage and harm in later life.
To talk about why this story matters – and what it means for Aotearoa’s understanding of truth, justice and healing – Radio Waatea spoke with Māori actor and director Julian Arahanga, who has been closely involved in the project:
Listen to the full interview with Julian Arahanga here:
https://waateanews.com/2025/07/24/julian-arahanga-maori-actor-and-director/
In the interview, Arahanga reflects on the importance of giving voice to survivors, many of whom have waited decades for their stories to be heard. He speaks about why confronting uncomfortable truths is essential for whānau, communities and the nation, and how the documentary seeks to honour the lived experience of tamariki whose lives were forever changed by state care.
The Stolen Children of Aotearoa premiered at the Māoriland Film Festival before screening on Whakaata Māori and streaming via Māori+, where it continues to reach audiences across Aotearoa.
As the country reckons with these stories and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care continues to shape understanding and responses, films like this are vital – not just for remembering what happened, but for supporting survivors’ journeys toward recognition, justice and healing.
Stay tuned to Radio Waatea’s #SummerSeries for more stories that challenge, inform and inspire change.
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