Final Report on Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care presented

“This marks the end of the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand,” said Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.

The coalition Government has received the final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care presented to the Governor-General.

“This marks the end of the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand,” said Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.

Established on January 30, 2018, the Royal Commission investigated the experiences of abuse and neglect of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in State care between 1950 and 1999. On November 12, 2018, the inquiry expanded to include care by faith-based institutions, also covering abuse occurring since 2000.

“I want to personally acknowledge the significant contribution of nearly 3,000 survivors who shared their experiences over the last five years. My heart goes out to you, your families, and your support networks. This would not have been an easy process, and we acknowledge your courage,” Minister van Velden said.

The Royal Commission gathered these experiences through private sessions, written accounts, and witness statements at 14 public hearings held between October 2019 and October 2022.

“I also want to pay tribute to the commissioners and staff who captured the experiences, collated them, and presented the final report and recommendations to the Governor-General,” van Velden added.

The report and its recommendations will be made public when presented to Parliament during the next sitting week, on Wednesday, July 24. Ministers and parties will respond to the report at 4 pm. This schedule allows survivors to travel to Wellington to attend and ensures the report is presented in accessible formats.

“I want to thank survivors for their bravery in sharing their stories. This is a significant milestone for them, and it’s important we acknowledge that,” said Erica Stanford, Minister responsible for coordinating the Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry. “My expectation is that officials will work across Government to provide an initial assessment of the final report and recommendations to Cabinet over the coming months. I also expect that, where possible, officials will engage with survivor representatives to help inform these.”

“Once Ministers have the opportunity to consider the Royal Commission’s final report and recommendations, we will take the time needed to ensure that the Crown response is well considered, coherent, and comprehensive,” Stanford stated.

The Government continues to work in response to the Royal Commission’s 2021 interim redress report.