Rupene Amato gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care's Pacific inquiry.
Photo: Supplied
Rupene Amato, who was born in 1972, has given evidence to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care's Pacific inquiry.
His father is Samoan and his mother is Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Aitanga a Māhaki and Ngāti Makoro (hapū).
He was sent to a Catholic school at 11 and was abused by a newly arrived priest in Wairoa.
''I wish to share my experience of abuse because I want to help others overcome the impacts of abuse. I know that this is not easy and I know that the abuse impacts all areas of our lives. I also want to share my experiences because I want to speak for those who haven't and for those who are no longer with us.''