Aaron Smale
Lifting the lid - or turning a blind eye?
Abuse and neglect that went on for decades under the radar was front-and-centre in the headlines this week after the royal commission's report on abuse in state care came out. Mediawatch asks one…
The horrific reality of New Zealand state and faith-based care
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has finally been released. What will its real impact be? Audio
26 Aaron Smale | The Terrible Legacy of Lake Alice
A surprise phone call from a sister Aaron Smale never knew existed led to an investigation into state abuse. His questions would ultimately result in an award-winning exposé of the heinous goings-on… Audio
The Week in Detail: El Niño, The Voice, and community gardens
The Detail podcast brings you the issues behind the news every weekday. Here's what we covered this week. Audio
Long Read: Tairāwhiti's Trauma
By Aaron Smale: On the slow destruction and devastating impact of the pine industry on Tairāwhiti. Audio
Oranga Tamariki Minister 'doesn't know what's going on' - Smale
A delayed report into Oranga Tamariki that has not yet been delivered to the Minister already has a vote of no confidence from one leading advocate.
Aaron Smale says revelations of alleged abuse at… Video, Audio
The campaign of denial over abuse in state care
Journalist Aaron Smale talks about his deep-dive investigation into children abused in state care - and the roadblocks the Crown put up to stop the details getting out. Audio
Lifting the lid on abuse in state care
Media revelations of alleged abuse at Auckland's Dilworth School came as a shock to many people, but not those who know the long history of abuse of children in state care around New Zealand, finally… Audio
Call for state to 'stop colonising Maori language'
Journalist Aaron Smale is calling for government departments to "stop colonising the Māori language". Audio
National Party policy proposal criticised at Royal Commission
The Royal Commission investigating abuse in care has been told the National Party's proposal to block gang affiliates' access to the benefit if they're unable to prove legal income would only enhance… Audio
Some Māori disappointed at abuse inquiry changes
Māori abused in state care say they will be silenced in the government inquiry now it's including abuse by the churches. Survivors say expanding the inquiry will water it down, and those abused by the… Audio
Indigenous film festival kicks off in Otaki
The Maoriland indigenous film festival has opened in Otaki and will screen over 120 films from shorts of a few minutes through to full length features over the next week. Te Manu Korihi's Aaron Smale… Audio
Dame Susan Devoy warns the Govt risks repeating mistakes
Parliament is debating legislation setting up a new child welfare ministry, and the Race Relations Commissioner says that change needs to be based on a sound understanding of the past. Dame Susan… Audio
Abuse in state care led to a life of violence
Albie Epere says he was stomped on and bashed the moment he arrived at a state-run boys home near Levin in 1981, which lead him into a life of violence. Video, Audio
Never Again - call for state abuse inquiry and apology
The Human Rights Commission is leading a call from dozens of social sector leaders for the Government to launch an inquiry into historical abuse suffered by children in state care. Audio
Patricia Grace challenges Public Works Act
Renowned author Patricia Grace had already won a legal battle against the government which was threatening to take her land for a Kapiti road - now she is challenging the Public Works Act itself. Audio
Maori oppose Taranaki sand mining
Maori groups are opposing a second application to mine iron sand off the Taranaki coast. Aaron Smale reports on their concerns of environmental damage and breaches of their property rights. Audio
Housing key to addressing poverty
The Children's Commissioner says making housing affordable is crucial to helping the most vulnerable children and the Minister for Children also accepts poverty can be a factor in children being at… Audio
Govt accused of killing off critical HRC report into abuse
A former Human Rights Commissioner is accusing the government of killing off a critical report on the way it's handled hundreds of cases of children abused in state care. Audio
Govt accused of culling HRC report into abused children
A former Human Rights Commissioner is accusing the government of killing off a critical report into the handling of hundreds of cases of children abused in state care. Audio
