Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry publishes final report
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions has published its final report — 'Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light'.
Today, the Royal Commission of Inquiry final report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions 'Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light' was published on the Royal Commission’s website.
Read the report on the Royal Commission's website
Much of the content presented in the report contains explicit descriptions of tūkino — abuse, harm and trauma — and may raise difficult emotional responses for readers. If you or someone in your close circle needs support, please contact your GP or healthcare provider. There is also list of telephone helplines or services that offer free support, information and help.
View a list of available support
The Royal Commission of Inquiry was formally established on 1 February 2018, with Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs responsible for administering it. The commission was established to 'consider the experiences of children, young persons, and vulnerable adults who were in care between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1999 inclusive'.
The report is of historical significance to Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the result of the largest and most complex public inquiry held in this country, with nearly 2,800 people sharing their experiences of abuse and neglect with the Royal Commission.
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga wishes to acknowledge the survivors who shared their experiences of abuse and neglect with the Royal Commission over the last 5 years.
I also want to acknowledge the full support Archives staff have given to the Inquiry. The Royal Commission requested thousands of historical records from Archives New Zealand who administer the Public Records Act 2005 and hold the records and information of the New Zealand government. This includes those of the organisations that administer state care.
Archives New Zealand notes the recommendations in the report, and specifically those relating to recordkeeping. The already-established Agency Records Working Group positions us well to respond to recommendations and continue work underway.
Find out more information about the Inquiry and report
Anahera Morehu, Poumanaaki Chief Archivist