First panel discussion at the Foster Care Hearing 17 June 2022
***Distressing content warning***
Panel member summaries
Dr Ian Hyslop, Facilitator
At the time of the hearing Dr Hyslop was a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland. His professional interests are tied to a concern with the relationship between social work and social justice, locally and globally. Dr Hyslop has worked as a social worker, supervisor, and practice manager in statutory child protection practice in Auckland. His recent book looks at the critical history of the relationship between child protection and liberal capitalism with an emphasis on the tensions with indigenous models of family life.
Elison Mae
Ms Mae is of Ngāti Kahungungu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne descent. She suffered emotional, physical, sexual and psychological abuse during the 17 years that she was State care. Ms Mae later worked as a solicitor for Child, Youth and Family until 2019. Ms Mae shared her experience of the foster care system alongside her current concerns and recommendations for the future.
Frederick Williams
Mr Williams is of Samoan descent. He was placed in Ōwairaka and Kohitere after running away from home at the age of 12 because of abuse he was experiencing at home. He had previously shared his experience of the abuse he suffered at Tulou - Our Pacific Voices: Tatala e Pulonga public hearing. Mr Williams was also placed in a family home between multiple placements.
Lady Tureiti Moxon
Lady Moxon is of Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu and Kāi Tahu descent. She has worked as a lawyer on Treaty of Waitangi claims and settlements and is a Chartered Fellow with the Institute of Directors. At the time of the hearing she was the managing director of Te Kōhao Health, a health, education, social and justice service provider servicing the wider Waikato region, and is Chair of the National Urban Māori Authority.
Dr Moana Eruera
At the time of the hearing Dr Eruera was a registered social worker with a PhD in indigenous studies and over thirty years of experience working in communities. Dr Eruera has more than 15 years’ experience in State sector strategic and operational leadership roles both as a consultant and as a senior government staff member. She also provided a ‘grass roots insight’ from her experiences as a social worker.
Dr Valerie McGinn
At the time of the hearing Dr McGinn was a neuropsychologist and clinical director of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Centre Aotearoa. She is recognised as New Zealand’s leading expert in FASD. Dr McGinn has provided over 100 FASD assessments to New Zealand courts resulting in FASD now being widely recognised and accommodated within the legal system. Dr McGinn is a founding and board member of the FASD Care Action Network, New Zealand’s organisation to support and advocate for people with FASD and their families and caregivers.