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Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry This Royal Commission in an independent inquiry into abuse in state care and in the care of faith-based institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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COVID-19 protocols for public hearings

COVID-19 Alert Levels are being closely monitored by the Royal Commission. The Royal Commission will abide by all government mandated COVID-19 requirements.

The health and safety of everyone involved in hearings – witnesses, Commissioners, staff, media and the public – is paramount.

The following is a guide to public hearings under different alert levels.  Note under Level 3, public hearings are not held.

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The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care is looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care.

We will make recommendations about how New Zealand can better care for children, young persons and vulnerable adults.

We do not provide compensation for historical abuse or neglect. Find out more.

How we work bw

How the Inquiry works

Find out how the Commissioners will investigate what has happened in care so they can write their report to the Governor General.

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How to get involved

Find out how survivors can share their experiences with the Abuse in Care Inquiry.

Next hearings

Faith-based Redress: Phase Two

15 March to 30 March 2021

This hearing will focus on evidence on redress processes from witnesses called on behalf of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia and the Salvation Army New Zealand.

 Abuse in State children’s residential care

3 May to 10 May 2021

This investigation will examine and report on abuse and neglect of children and young people in State residential care.

Commissioner's blog

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Follow some of the news of the Royal Commission with occasional blogs from our Commissioners. In the most recent blog, Commissioner Julia Steenson shares share her thoughts on important implications of Te Tiriti in our work. Read more.

Message to Aotearoa New Zealand

Each survivor who attends a private session is given the opportunity to send a message to Aotearoa New Zealand.

You can read their messages here.

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Faafete Taito v2

"Over the years I was in that world, I realised I lost the ability to love ... a lot of kids in that world don't know how to love"

Witness accounts from the Contextual hearing
Allison

"The beautiful gardens they had was just to disguise the abuse that went on."

Survivor videos

Treaty of Waitangi underpins us

The Royal Commission will use an approach that is consistent with Te Tiriti. How we adopt its principles of partnership, protection and participation is central to the work of the Inquiry and a core focus of our Māori Partnerships team.

treaty home

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