Oranga Tamariki holds records about Owairaka Boys Home from 1969-1999. Archives NZ (Auckland) holds records about Owairaka, with Oranga Tamariki as the controlling agency for restricted records.
Gender: male Capacity: As at circa 1957, 42 beds. 40 beds Circa 1984, 43 open beds, 18 secure beds As at 4/10/1989, 47 beds Controlling organisation: Government Department of Social Welfare State control. Other information: From MSD Historic Claims report: Owairaka was a short-term facility for boys aged 14 - 17, often those on warrants or on remand from the court. Owairaka also housed some state wards awaiting placement. The home had a secure unit and practised solitary confinement. From Te Ara: '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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