Children / Media

Mark Staufer and Neil Harding: The Lost Boys of Dilworth

08:14 am on 13 April 2024

Listen

Theo Rimmer-Riley as Mark Staufer in "The Lost Boys of Dilworth" Photo: Matt Klitscher

Auckland's Dilworth boarding school was set up to to provide education to boys from disadvantaged backgrounds for free.

Last year an independent inquiry into sexual and physical abuse at the school uncovered a "catalogue of damage and injustice" spanning more than half a century. 

Broadcaster turned screenwriter Mark Staufer was one of the boys physically and sexually abused while under Dilworth's care.

He's written and features in The Lost Boys of Dilworth, a docu-drama revealing his experiences along with several other abuse survivors including Neil Harding, who is leading the legal charge to hold Dilworth to account.

The Lost Boys of Dilworth premieres on TVNZ 1 at 8.30pm Sunday 14 April.


If you or someone you know is affected by this story, you can get help here:

 

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 - available 24/7

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) - available 24/7

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 - available 24/7

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 - available 24/7