Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry - final report published
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry reported to the Governor-General in June 2024 and its findings were made public on 24 July 2024 when its final report, Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light (external link)was presented to Parliament.
The Royal Commission looked into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults while in the care of the State or faith-based institutions, mainly between the years 1950-1999. It also heard about abuse that occurred since 2000.
The Royal Commission heard nearly 3000 survivor accounts of abuse and neglect and its report and recommendations are the result of five years of investigations, research, private sessions and public hearings.
The Crown response to the Royal Commission
The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission and the Prime Minister addressed Parliament when the report was presented.
The Government is now considering the recommendations and will be making decisions on how it will respond in the coming months. It has already determined that the Prime Minister will deliver a public apology on behalf of the Crown to survivors of abuse in care on 12 November 2024.
The Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is one of the government agencies contributing to the Crown response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
The Ministry of Justice continues to contribute to work already underway on the Crown response to the Royal Commission’s 2021 interim report, He Purapura Ora, he Māra Tipu. From Redress to Puretumu Torowhānui.
The Crown Response Unit is helping agencies work together to respond to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
Read more about the Crown response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission(external link)
Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care website(external link)
Further information:
The Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry
Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry | New Zealand Ministry of Justice
Prime Minister’s Speech 24 July 2024
Joint Press Release Prime Minister/Minister Stanford: Acknowledgement of torture at Lake Alice
Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice | Beehive.govt.nz(external link)
Joint Press Release Prime Minister/Minister Stanford Acknowledgement of survivors
Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors | Beehive.govt.nz(external link)
This subject may raise difficult emotional responses from readers. If you would like to talk to a support person the Royal Commission website lists some telephone helplines or services that offer support, information and help. All services are free. Support services | Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry.(external link)
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