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Fifty children who have suffered abuse and neglect - many of whom had never even been across Auckland's Harbour Bridge - yesterday flew over it in their first ride in a plane.
The children and their caregivers were treated to a scenic flight over Auckland in the Air
Force's C-130 Hercules.
The children are all in CYF custody due to unsafe, often traumatic, family backgrounds which involve neglect, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
"These kids have been through things most of us probably can't even imagine," said one CYF representative.
"You can see it in the way many of them are stooped, their stance - they are petrified of adults, in some cases."
RNZAF Wing Commander Kevin McEvoy, who approached CYF with the idea in the wake of a spate of high-profile child abuse cases, said the Air Force hoped to provide positive role models for the children. "We wanted to do something for these disadvantaged children, and to thank the people who look after them."
The RNZAF and CYF joined forces for the day, organising the 45-minute flight, as well as fire engine rides, seeing the official air force dogs, and playing with walkie talkies at Whenuapai air base.
"This is an amazing experience, as most have never flown before, and in fact many haven't even driven over the Harbour Bridge," CYF regional director Marion Heeney said.
Cliff, a caregiver for five children aged between seven and 12, said the experience gave the youngsters confidence that someone really cared about them.
"This makes them feel privileged. Disappointments are part and parcel of their lives, and most promises never happen. But today is special."
One 11-year-old boy anxiously eyed the 30m-long plane from the tarmac.
"But we've got seatbelts so we can't get sucked out, eh?" he grinned.
Once up in the air, the inside of the giant aircraft was full of excitement, hope - and more than a few future recruits for the RNZAF, if the number of questions Corporal Pele Tanuvasa had to field was any indication.
The children crowded to the small windows, mouths wide with awe.
A loud cheer went up when the back of the plane was opened to give a panoramic view of the Waitemata harbour.
Also along for the flight was 17-year-old Rawiri, who was admitted to the CYF Youth Justice unit in Manurewa last year, but has since studied for qualifications and has decided he would like to have a career in the RNZAF.
Rawiri recently sat the admittance tests, and is determined he will be joining the defence force at the beginning of next year - he wants to be a storesman.
