Meet Shane Tibbotts
Abuse survivor Shane Tibbotts completed a 330km walk from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday, having left Stanmore Road Boys’ Home in Christchurch on October 16. He will be attending the Government’s formal apology to those who suffered in state care. DAVID UNWIN / The Post
Victim to Victory
In November 2024, Shane Tibbotts undertook a powerful hikoi, walking all the way from the site of the former Stanmore Road Boys’ Home in Ōtautahi Christchurch to the steps of Parliament in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. This journey was deeply personal, as Shane himself is a survivor of the state care system, carrying with him the memory of his own lived experience and the voices of countless others who endured harm behind closed doors. His walk was not only an act of remembrance but also a call for accountability and healing.
The hikoi coincided with the New Zealand Government’s long-awaited apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. By arriving at Parliament on the day of the apology, Shane gave physical expression to the pain, resilience, and determination of survivors. His footsteps honoured those whose lives were damaged or lost, acknowledged the intergenerational scars of abuse, and reminded the nation that words of apology must be followed by meaningful change. Through his walk, Shane turned a history of victimisation into a message of courage and justice, urging Aotearoa to walk alongside survivors toward a future where such harm can never be repeated.
Shane’s Story
Why He Walked
Shane is a survivor who spent part of his childhood at the Stanmore Road Boys’ Home and later at Kohitere Boys’ Training Centre. These places left deep marks on many who passed through their doors. His walk was both personal and public: a way to process his own history, to bring attention to the widespread harm experienced in state care, and to show solidarity with all survivors.
“There were some good people, but there were some bad people. They made you feel like it was your fault you were there.”
— Shane reflecting on his time in care
Stanmore Road Boys’ Home and Kohitere Boys’ Training Centre both became symbolic of the harsh discipline and lasting harm that so many survivors still carry. For Shane, walking was a way to transform that pain into purpose. His kaupapa was clear: this was not just his story, but the story of thousands. The walk stood as a reminder that the apology must be matched with real change and justice.
With nothing more than a day pack, some nibbles, a bottle of water and some headphones, Tibbotts is aiming to walk 20km a day to complete the 330km walk in 26 days, with breaks in between to recover. Iain McGregor / The Press
Timeline of the 2024 Walk
- October 2024 – Christchurch
Shane set out from 300 Stanmore Road, the former site of the Boys’ Home where he had been placed in state care. - 20 October 2024 – Cheviot
He was seen walking north along State Highway 1, with members of the public sharing photos and posts. - Late October – Early November 2024 – Kaikōura to Blenheim
Shane walked the coastal route north, supported by whānau and well-wishers, making steady progress through Te Tauihu. - Early November 2024 – Ferry to Wellington
Crossing Te Moana-o-Raukawa (Cook Strait), Shane continued his hikoi in the capital. - 12 November 2024 – Parliament
Shane joined survivors and their whānau at Parliament for the Government’s National Apology for Abuse in Care.
Shane Tibbotts is walking from Stanmore Road Boys’ Home in Christchurch, where he was abused as a child, to Wellington for the Government’s survivors of abuse in care apology on November 12. Iain McGregor / The Press
The Route at a Glance
Stanmore Road Boys’ Home → Cheviot (112 km)
Beginning at the former boys’ home, Shane honoured those harmed there and set the tone of remembrance.Cheviot → Kaikōura (70 km)
This stage reflected unity, with survivors and supporters walking together for change.Kaikōura → Blenheim (128 km)
A long and difficult stretch symbolising the endurance of survivors.Blenheim → Picton (28 km)
A shorter leg, marking preparation for the journey across the Strait.Cook Strait Ferry (92 km)
Stories carried across the waters to the nation’s capital.Wellington Ferry Terminal → Parliament (2 km)
The hikoi concluded at Parliament, calling for justice, healing, and lasting change.
Tibbotts hopes the apology will be followed with action to change the way state care is run. Iain McGregor / The Press
Kaupapa / Purpose
Shane’s walk carries a powerful and meaningful kaupapa, aiming to honour survivors, raise awareness, and inspire change:
Raise awareness of the scale and lasting harm of abuse in state and faith-based care. By walking through communities and places connected to these histories, the hikoi brings visibility to stories that have often been silenced or overlooked.
Stand in solidarity with survivors and whānau, showing that no one walks alone. Each step symbolises support, courage, and the strength found in collective action.
Encourage justice and reform through fair redress, full access to records, and safe care. The walk is a reminder that apologies must be matched with meaningful systemic change.
Reclaim dignity and inspire hope by transforming sites of past trauma into spaces of remembrance, resilience, and empowerment. The hikoi honours survival and demonstrates that healing is possible.
Acknowledgements
This walk is more than a journey, it is an act of remembrance and solidarity. It honours the former residents of Stanmore Road Boys’ Home, Hokio Beach School, and many other institutions who bravely shared their stories of abuse and survival. Each step carries the weight of their pain, but also their courage and resilience.
It also acknowledges the tireless mahi of advocates across Aotearoa and the Government’s apology delivered on 12 November 2024 at Parliament. That apology was a milestone, but it also served as a reminder: words alone are not enough. Real healing and lasting change must follow. Shane’s hikoi stands as a living message that survivors’ voices will not be forgotten, and their calls for justice will continue to move forward, step by step.
Abuse survivor Shane Tibbotts has walked from Christchurch to Wellington. DAVID UNWIN / The Post
Victim to Victory Walk 2025
This year, Shane is walking again. On 8 November 2025, he will set out from the notorious Hokio Beach School and arrive at Parliament on 11 November 2025.
This hikoi is open to invites all survivors of state care to join him on any stage of the journey to walk together in unity, showing strength in numbers and honouring the collective journey.
Timeline of the 2025 Walk
8 November 2025 – Hokio Beach School to Ōtaki
The hikoi begins at Hokio Beach School, honouring tamariki who lived there and carrying their voices forward. Survivors and whānau are invited to gather in solidarity.9 November 2025 – Ōtaki to Paraparaumu
A day of unity and healing. Survivors and supporters can walk alongside Shane, sharing kōrero and connection to show no survivor walks alone.10 November 2025 – Paraparaumu to Porirua
This stage focuses on raising awareness through the Kāpiti Coast, reminding communities that the impacts of state care abuse are still lived realities today.11 November 2025 – Porirua to Parliament
The final stage carries the call for justice. Survivors and allies are invited to join Shane at Parliament, standing together for truth, redress, and change.12 November 2025 – Rest and Reflection
A day to pause, remember, and hold space for healing that continues beyond the hikoi.
Support the Kaupapa
You can support Shane’s kaupapa by offering kōrero, accommodation, logistics, or media support. Survivors are warmly welcomed to join Shane for part or all of the 2025 walk.