***Distressing content warning***

Matthew Whiting is of Māori and Pākehā descent. He has Spastic Quadriplegia with a speech impediment. His evidence talks about his first experience of being institutionalised from the age of 4 (1969) and his experiences in family homes, hospitals and education settings as a child and young person (through the 1970s). Matthew was sent to Pukeora at age 11 (1976), and to Burwood Hospital from the age of 13–21 (1978–1986). He spoke of the neglect and abuse he experienced in all those settings, and the impacts it has had and continues to have on his life. He also discussed his attempts to seek redress through ACC Sensitive Claims and recommendations for change.  

Witness Statement