The Stolen Children of Aotearoa

A podcast about a gang whānau and their journey to speak out about the abuse they experienced as children in Aotearoa’s state-care system.

Physical and sexual abuse, strong language

Hosted by Aaron Smale

A black-and-white collage of headshots of Māori people.
The text reads "The Stolen Children of Aotearoa"

Follow this podcast

RSS

Get this podcast straight from the source in the free RNZ app: Apple App Store or Google Play

The Brothers

Episode 1
Brothers Albie, Rob, and Jason speak with journalist Aaron Smale about the violence and abuse they experienced in state care as children and how that led them to joining Mangu Kaha / Black Power.
Physical and sexual abuse, strong language
Albie, Rob, and Jason, with traditional face tattoos, stand with their hands in their jumper pockets in front of a tree.

April

Episode 2
We hear from April, who spent time in state-run girls' homes across the South Island as a teenager. We hear her story as a survivor of abuse and the impact it had on her.
Physical and sexual abuse, strong language
A headshot of April in a black jumper and dark blue beanie in front of an illuminated gang patch on the wall behind her.

Speaking Out

Episode 3
Albie and April were among survivors who spoke out for an inquiry into abuse in care. As the Royal Commission's findings reveal the extent of the abuser that happened, what does it mean for them?
Physical and sexual abuse, strong language
A Māori man with traditional face tattoos, wearing a black vest emblazoned with gang patches, stands in front of the Beehive in Wellington with his closed fist raised.

Introducing: The Stolen Children of Aotearoa

Trailer
This podcast is about a gang whānau and their journey to speak out about the abuse they experienced as children in Aotearoa’s state-care system, and their hopes for a better future.
Physical and sexual abuse, strong language

Other podcasts
like this one

More podcasts with similar themes or ideas that you might enjoy.

  • Image of a smiling woman with her hands raised in the air in a "praising" style. The words "The Lodge" appear above her hands. Her eyes are covered with a teared page rip across her face and across the image below. There are mountains in the distance behind her. The image is in a purple wash.

    The Lodge

    Award-winning

    Featured in the Apple Podcasts Top New Shows, Top Series and Top Episodes charts for 2025

  • Test reads "The detail" where the dot on the "I" is highlighted.

    The Detail

    Award-winning

    Winner of Best Current Affairs Podcast at the 2025 NZ Podcast Awards

  • Image of Kura Turuwhenua, Brett Graham and Ngahuia Te Awekotuku smiling with te reo Maori word "Tukua" in neon blue behind them.

    TUKUA

    Exploring an intergenerational response to arts and cultural events.

  • Witi Ihimaera looks up. Behind him and going over his shoulders is a graphic of water. Centered at the bottom is text that reads: "Witi Underwater."

    Witi Underwater

    Award-winning

    Witi Ihimaera throws himself into a full-immersion Māori language course.