September 16 marks the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia. It’s also the publication date of In the Best Interests – as much a story of colonialism and the power inequities that stem from it, as it is about the sexual abuse of students by their Australian expat teachers (and a New Zealander). Authors John and Elisa Mendzela were teachers in the 1980s and uncovered the organised sexual exploitation of PNG students while the country was an Australian colony. Ali Mau spoke with John and Elisa from their home in Wellington, where they’ve both enjoyed long careers as management consultants.
BOOKS
“In the Best Interests”: Whistleblowing expat teachers expose colonial-era child abuse in Papua New Guinea
16th September 2025
September 16 marks the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia. It’s also the publication date of In the Best Interests – as much a story of colonialism and the power inequities that stem from it, as it is about the sexual abuse of students by their Australian expat teachers (and a New Zealander). Authors John and Elisa Mendzela were teachers in the 1980s and uncovered the organised sexual exploitation of PNG students while the country was an Australian colony. Ali Mau spoke with John and Elisa from their home in Wellington, where they’ve both enjoyed long careers as management consultants.“More dangerous than Afghanistan.” That’s the description I was given at a security briefing when I travelled to Papua New Guinea – also one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited – for UNICEF in 2007.