It was a stifling 32 degrees and 97 percent humidity in Thailand when Petra Bagust sat down with three teen girls while they shared personal tales of horror, hope and survival after being freed from human trafficking.
“They were so young when they were trafficked, just 14 or 15, and ended up working in a karaoke bar where the owner was violent,” shares TV presenter Petra. “A police inspector told us about seeing a motorbike driver, who was essentially a human courier, show up and take girls away. These are children being taken away and sold.”
Petra is visibily moved as she recounts the experience, telling the Weekly just how much the girls want a better life and future.
“One of the girls, Miu, said to me, ‘Don’t see us as bad children because what we need is the same as other children in this world. We want to be good children. We are like normal people who would like the chance to start again.’”
While Petra, 50, and the girls talked, their powerful exchange was being filmed by award-winning photographer Nikki Denholm, 55.
The images and stories will be used in campaigns for Tearfund NZ and at Trafficking Unlocked, their upcoming November charity evenings in Auckland and Tauranga.
Tearfund NZ assists police investigations into the criminal networks behind trafficking and slavery, and works with local law enforcement to prosecute traffickers and prevent more people becoming enslaved.
Petra and Nikki are passionate ambassadors for the organisation, and have been friends for 20 years after first bonding as new mothers with a deep desire to effect change in the world.
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin October 31, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin October 31, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills