The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry has delivered its final report and recommendations to the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro.
Since 2018 the Inquiry has been investigating abuse and neglect of children, young people and adults in State and faith-based care between 1950 to 1999. It has also heard from survivors who were abused after that date.
The report is called Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light. It was named by the Inquiry’s survivor advisory group of experts.
The report has approximately 2,500 pages and includes 16 volumes of material that cover context, what happened, why it happened, specific case studies, survivor experiences and recommendations for the future.
The report makes far-reaching recommendations for righting the wrongs of the past, making the care system safe and empowering communities and whānau.
The report and recommendations delivery marks the closure of the six year-long Royal Commission process. The Governor-General now gives the final report to the Minister of Internal Affairs. The Minister must then table the report in Parliament to make it public. The tabling is scheduled for later in July.
The Inquiry Commissioners released a joint statement.
“To survivors, and your whānau, communities, advocates and supporters, Whanaketia is your report. It is informed by your experiences, your voices, your journeys. You have been heard,”
“We recognise it has been a long and difficult journey, and the impacts of abuse and neglect continue to harm you. We pay respect, too, to the many people who have died waiting for action,” said Judge Coral Shaw (Chair), Anaru Erueti and Paul Gibson.
“Aotearoa New Zealand, now is the time we must stand up for what is right, remain resolute against the wrongdoing, and give survivors of abuse and neglect what they need to heal and thrive. We must ensure abuse and neglect in care does not continue.”
“This is a tough time for many. Many diverse communities have formed around the Royal Commission and while this part of the journey closes, we urge you to remain strong and brave. Please continue to support each other, as your individual and collective journeys echo across the motu.”
