Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand has issued a formal apology to those who suffered abuse in care homes, following an extensive inquiry into one of the nation’s most significant abuse scandals.
The apology, delivered in parliament, follows a report revealing that 200,000 children and vulnerable adults experienced abuse in state and faith-based care between 1950 and 2019.
A considerable number of victims were from the Māori and Pacific communities, as well as individuals with mental or physical disabilities. The government has pledged to overhaul the care system in response.
Luxon stated on Tuesday, “I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments.
“It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.
“For many of you it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility.”
Luxon described the inquiry, which lasted six years and involved over 2,300 survivor interviews, as the most extensive and intricate public inquiry in New Zealand’s history.
The resultant report detailed numerous abuses, including rape, sterilisation, and forced labour.
It was found that sexual abuse rates were often higher in faith-based institutions than in state care. Furthermore, both civil and faith leaders frequently attempted to conceal abuse by relocating perpetrators and denying responsibility, with many victims passing away before obtaining justice.
The findings provided validation for those who had long battled against powerful state and religious authorities, often struggling to be heard.
Some survivors and advocates attended parliament on Tuesday to witness the prime minister’s apology, while many others watched via livestream across the country. Luxon faced criticism for delivering the apology in parliament, which meant many survivors could not hear him directly.
Survivors have argued that Luxon’s apology lacks substance unless accompanied by tangible restitution plans.
Luxon announced that while the government develops a new financial redress system for survivors, it would allocate an additional NZ$32 million ($19 million) to the existing framework.
The inquiry made over 100 recommendations, including public apologies from New Zealand authorities and religious leaders, as well as legislation mandating the reporting of suspected abuse.
Luxon stated that the government has either completed or is working on 28 of these recommendations but did not provide specifics.
Following the apology, a bill aimed at better protecting children in care had its first reading in parliament. The bill proposes, among other measures, a ban on strip searches and stricter regulations on individuals working with young children.
Frances Ibiefo
Follow us on:
