New Zealand Leaders Apologize for State and Church Care Abuse: 200,000 Survivors, Royal Commission Findings, and Redress Scheme Delays

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Apologizes for Historical Abuse in State Care

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, made a formal and unreserved apology in Parliament on Tuesday for the widespread abuse, torture, and neglect of hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults in state, foster, and faith-based care.

Scope of the Abuse

An estimated 200,000 people suffered unimaginable abuse over seven decades, from 1950 to 2019. This abuse was documented in a blistering report released in July, following the largest inquiry ever undertaken in New Zealand. The inquiry found that nearly a third of the 650,000 children and vulnerable adults in care during this period endured physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological abuse. Many more were exploited or neglected.

Impact on Indigenous Communities

The abuse disproportionately affected New Zealand’s Indigenous people, the Māori. The report highlighted that these communities were particularly vulnerable to the abuses that occurred.

Prime Minister’s Apology

Prime Minister Luxon stated, "It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened." He addressed lawmakers and a public gallery filled with survivors, saying, "For many of you, it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility."

Government Responsibility

Luxon apologized on behalf of his own and previous governments, emphasizing that words matter and that he believes the survivors’ stories. The government acknowledged that the historical treatment of some children in state-run institutions amounted to torture.

Criticism Over Compensation

Despite the apology, some survivors and advocates criticized the government for not yet announcing plans for financial compensation. The government has promised to reveal details of the redress scheme early next year, citing the complexity of the issue.

Legislative Changes

In response to the inquiry’s findings, the government is working on 28 recommendations, including new legislation to improve safety in state care. A bill to address these issues will have its first reading in Parliament. This includes measures such as outlawing the strip-searching of children and strengthening regulations to prevent individuals with serious harm convictions from working with children.

Ongoing Efforts

Prime Minister Luxon and other officials expressed their gratitude to the survivors who shared their stories and acknowledged the need for immediate action. The government is committed to implementing the recommendations from the inquiry to ensure such abuses never happen again.