Ribbons have been tied to the fence of the Catholic Cathedral in downtown Auckland by attendees and witnesses from the Royal Commission into Abuse. Published in Radio New Zealand

Survivors and supporters walked the short distance from the Rydges Hotel, where the Royal Commission into abuse in state and faith-based care was holding the final day of its first public hearing.

Mike Ledingham said he did it for a number of nameless victims still suffering from the effects of abuse.

Mr Ledingham said it was significant to tie the ribbons to the church fence because because the Catholic Church had not paid enough attention to what had happened.

“More like trying to hide it and distance themselves from it all,” he said.

“After 60 years I have come to grips with the memory and as long as there are victims alive this church is responsible and I think they need to wake up, become honest and start dealing with it appropriately.”

Cathedral Dean, Father Peter Tipene also tied a ribbon to the fence.

He said it was in support of the victims.

“We have to acknowledge the wrong that we have done and we hope for healing and for grace and peace for all the victims,” Father Peter said.

“We continue to pray for the perpetrators to, but again there is a lot of hurting and healing to take place.”

Published in Radio New Zealand
8 November 2019