Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Our Country’s Shame | Erica’s story

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

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Our Country's Shame | Online series

Erica went into the care of foster parents at the age of 3 months and was subjected to mental and physical trauma that haunted her teenage and adult years.

Six Pasifika people tell stories of the pain and suffering they experienced as a result of being placed in government or faith based care. These six people gave evidence at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse In Care – their experiences represent the experiences of many Pasifika people in Aotearoa New Zealand from 1950 – 1999, people who in their childhood years were unfairly treated by the government and church, whose parents and aiga trusted and believed those organisations would look after them and were badly let down.

Where to get help:

  • Alcohol and Drug Helpline
    0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem (10am-10pm)
    www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/
  • Anxiety phone line
    0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
    www.anxiety.org.nz
  • Depression helpline
    0800 111 757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any question
    www.depression.org.nz
  • Family Services 211 Helpline
    0800 211 211 for help finding community based health and and social support services in your area
    www.familyservices.govt.nz
  • OUTline NZ
    0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues (9am-9pm weekdays; 6pm-8pm weekends)
    www.outline.org.nz
  • Rape Crisis
    0800 883 300 for support after rape or sexual assault
  • Safe to talk
    0800 044 334 or free text 4334 or email [email protected] (available 24/7) for free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way
    www.safetotalk.nz
  • Samaritans
    0800 726 666
    www.samaritans.org.nz
  • Skylight
    0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief (9am-5pm weekdays)
    www.skylight.org.nz
  • Lifeline Aotearoa
    0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
    www.lifeline.org.nz/services/lifeline-helpline
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline
    0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
  • Youthline
    0800 376 633
    www.youthline.co.nz
  • Supporting Families in Mental Illness
    Auckland 0800 732 825 for families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness
  • Need to Talk?
    Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)

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