New CYF probe into caregivers

Photo / Martin Sykes

New and "very serious" allegations have been made against two Child, Youth and Family caregivers already facing more than 30 abuse charges - prompting the agency to launch a fresh investigation.

This week, the Herald revealed that Wellsford couple Andrew John Hemara, 53, and Jenny-Lee Hemara, 49, had been charged with abusing four boys, aged from 7 to 12, in their foster care between 2004 and 2010.

It has been alleged they used a wire brush to scrub the boys' bodies and teeth.

Other claims include a boy's hand forced into fire, boys being chained together, made to sleep outside without blankets and forced to run around a track until sick.

The couple's 21-year-old daughter, Tamara Lee Hemara, is also facing charges.

Last night, the Weekend Herald learned that a fifth young person had contacted CYF to make new allegations against the Hemaras.

The claims, made yesterday, prompted CYF to launch a new investigation into the couple. This was confirmed by northern regional director Grant Bennett.

"As soon as we heard of these new allegations today, we initiated a fresh investigation into the Hemaras," Mr Bennett said. "These are very serious allegations and we will get to the bottom of them.

"We will work in close conjunction with the police to ensure that anyone found to have abused these children is held accountable. If these allegations are true then new charges will be laid."

Mr Bennett appealed for anyone else with concerns to come forward.

CYF social workers made routine checks on the family, but the alleged abuse came to light only when one of the boys spoke up. The boys were immediately taken out of the Hemaras' care and the police were notified.

The Hemaras appeared in the North Shore District Court on May 20 and are on bail until their next appearance this month.

Andrew Hemara is facing 17 charges of assault and five of wilful ill-treatment.

Jenny-Lee Hemara faces 10 assault and three wilful ill-treatment charges.

Tamara Hemara faces one charge of assault and two of wilful ill-treatment.

anna.leask@nzherald.co.nz