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Story: Children’s homes and fostering

Ōwairaka Boys' Home, Auckland

Ōwairaka Boys' Home, Auckland

Ōwairaka Boys' Home was the subject of an inquiry by civil-rights groups the Auckland Committee on Racism and Discrimination, Ngā Tamatoa and Arohanui Inc, in 1978. Former residents and staff members gave evidence about the brutal treatment meted out to the boys and poor living conditions at the home. A critical Human Rights Commission report followed. These inquiries contributed to the eventual closure of homes like Ōwairaka.

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How to cite this page

Kerryn Pollock, Children’s homes and fostering – Experiences of institutional and foster care, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/28610/owairaka-boys-home-auckland (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 24 March 2011.

Comments

John Wakefield
17 April 2020
As i open this chapter a reflection of the past at owairakai boys home (residential center) for 12/17 year old boys owairakai ave ,i noticed the neighbours houses would have been close to the dormitory assembly area (roll call was about 8am) and secured unit remembering time in this unit,(like a prison cell) vividly remembering the afternoon sleep therpy for the residents,i thought this was only on Sunday.the school teacher (one classroom school) talking about the value of young people wearing uniform's .i remember the soon to be residents, some directed by the courts sitting in the back of a Morris j2 mini bus with its distentive red and cream fleet colours coming up the driveway, they may not have been sure of their future or of "going down the line". The possible (fire alarm sounding) when residents had been absconding then their names broadcast on Auckland radio.i remember the aggressive mind set of some of the masters towards punishment, and the lack of culture sensitivity. When i walked back across this parcel of land (2019) with knowledge and understanding which is now a reserve with birds singing in the trees and people using the park. In my view not all residents were state wards or with criminal intent at that time some were offered work on farms owairakai resident 1969