"This is ground zero for us," says Roberts. Roberts and Puletaha say they don't want pity for the lives they have led, but they do want to be part of the solution. Some said no, others were persuaded, but he was encouraged by the many 'OGs', or original gangsters, who attended. He tells The Detail how he approached men he had served prison sentences with, and had decades-long associations with, to speak. Coming from a world of no comment, Puletaha says it is very unusual for gang members to express themselves in a public forum. They were overwhelmed at the turnout of about 200 people, mainly men, and their willingness to talk about their childhood. "It was important for us to pass on that information, that's where a lot of us have come from and that's probably why you've got a lot of problems in society now." And probably many others who were in and around that day, or heard about it or watched it and relived their own past. "To relive all that and to talk about it in public is very draining," says Puletaha. Roberts says she spent a week writing in an A4 exercise book, only to tear most of it out and throw it away. In a statement on the hui, the Royal Commission says the Waitangi Tribunal acknowledges the connection between state care and gangs, noting that an estimated 80 to 90 percent of Mongrel Mob and Black Power gang whānau had been in state care.įor Roberts and Puletaha, who together run the west Auckland charity Unity in Our Community, preparing to tell their stories was traumatic in itself. Puletaha and his partner Kriddles Roberts - who also spoke at the hearing - were involved in organising the hui with Hīkoi Nation, a group working for positive changes in gang whānau. It was a day of rare unity, with gang members wearing different patches meeting for a common reason - and for some it was the first time they had shared their stories of abuse and neglect. Puletaha shared his story at the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry hearings in South Auckland last week, when gang whānau gathered to talk about their experiences of state care. The sadness is in the memory of his mother, who spent much of her life locked up in a mental health unit. The pride comes with being raised among the Polynesian Panthers, and the brotherhood of the King Cobra gang he joined at the age of 13. When Paul Puletaha talks about growing up in Ponsonby in the 1970s, it is with pride and sadness. In a rare show of unity, gang members gathered together to share their stories of abuse in care. The Detail talks to the people who helped make it happen and asks them why it was so important to come forward. New videos are added monthly, including HER Speaker Series, featuring inspiring talks from leaders in a variety of industries.Podcast: The Detail Gangs unite to speak up on abuse in care Learn new recipes and healthy cooking tips, practice private yoga sessions, relax with guided meditations, and more, through videos in this online library. Receive registration tickets to one full year (12 events) of insightful speakers via Zoom. Plus all purchases include one year of access to HER Speaker Series and HER Library online ($450 value).
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