A six-year inquiry has found that approximately 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults suffered abuse in state and faith-based care in New Zealand over the last 70 years.
This represents almost one in three children in care from 1950 to 2019.
Abuses and Neglect
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry heard from over 2,300 survivors, who reported experiencing physical and verbal abuse, rape, electric shocks, and forced labor. Many survivors came from disadvantaged or marginalized communities, including Māori and Pacific people, as well as those with disabilities.
Survivors’ Stories
The report includes harrowing testimonies from survivors, including Anna Thompson, who was physically and verbally abused at a faith-based orphanage, and Jesse Kett, who was beaten and raped by staff at a residential school.
Government Apology and Recommendations
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologized for the findings, calling it “a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand’s history.” The report includes 138 recommendations, which survivor Moeapulu Frances Tagaloa has called for to be implemented in full.
Economic Cost and Compensation
The economic cost of the abuse and neglect has been estimated to be between NZ$96bn and $217bn. The government has not yet revealed how much it expects to pay in compensation to victims.
Survivors’ March and Reaction
Dozens of care abuse survivors marched to parliament before the inquiry’s release, with one survivor calling the report “historic” and an “acknowledgement” of their experiences.
