Survivor Experiences Board

Eugene Ryder is a Māori survivor of childhood abuse in State care (various North Island Boys’ Homes) and a former gang member. He has a social work degree and has provided advice to a range of government agencies for several years. He has also worked with the Royal Commission to support them to engage with gang communities.

Moeapulu Frances Tagaloa is a member of the Royal Commission’s Survivor Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) and has 20 years of experience seeking redress from the Catholic Church following abuse from a Catholic Marist Brother. Her professional experience includes being the Chief Operations Officer and Chief of Staff in a global Christian non-profit, Campus Crusade for Christ.

Gary Williams (Ngāti Porou) was placed in state care as a 13-year-old and left it in his 40s. He works as a specialist consultant to the disability, government and NGO sectors and was on the Survivor Advisory Group of Experts with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historic Abuse in Care.

Gary has lots of practical experience to contribute to the Board and will have a particular focus on disabled people and tangata whaikaha Māori.

Anne is the legal representative of her sister, who spent 50 years in the Kimberley Centre (a residential institution for people with intellectual disability). Anne is an experienced disability advocate, promoting the importance of individual and systemic advocacy for marginalised and vulnerable people. Anne is well regarded in the disability sector and has worked in the NGO sector working for, and with, people with learning disabilities.

Karah is takatāpui, of Ngā Puhi whakapapa, and a survivor of abuse in State care. Karah has been endorsed by VOYCE Whakarongo Mai as a youth representative and has held the role of Chairperson of the National Youth Council. Karah is currently a youth worker and works with people with disabilities and has been involved with mahi across the care sector for several years.