How it works Ngā whakahaere
The work began with setting the Terms of Reference, then moved into an information and evidence gathering phase. Through hearing from survivors, evidence and research, we will make recommendations to the Governor General in mid-2024 on how Aotearoa can better care for tamariki, rangatahi and adults in care.
We do not provide compensation for historical abuse or neglect.
Setting up the Royal Commission
He whakarite mō te Kōmihana a te Karauna
At the beginning of an Inquiry guidelines are set about focus and timeframe. The most important of these is the Terms of Reference.
Collecting information
He kohi raraunga
Information was collected from survivors at private sessions and by the Inquiry's research team. This information was made anonymously and was used to plan themes for investigations, and will be used in the Inquiry’s reports.
Gathering evidence
He kohi taunakitanga
The Royal Commission held a number of investigations into abuse and neglect that occurred in State and faith-based care settings, and into specific themes and issues, and has been gathering witness statements and obtaining and analysing documentary evidence. Public hearings were part of the investigations process and some survivors took part in these.
Producing reports
He whakaputa pūrongo
In December 2020 we presented Tāwharautia: Pūrongo o te Wā, our interim report. It covered the main themes uncovered in our work until then, the way we are working, survivor voices, and the work ahead in the next phase of the Inquiry.
In December 2021 the Royal Commission provided an interim report He Purapura Ora, he Māra Tipu. From Redress to Puretumu Torowhānui. This includes recommendations for the provision of redress for people who have suffered abuse in care of State or faith-based institutions.
In December 2022 the Royal Commission released Beautiful Children, a report into the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. Te Uiui o te Manga Tamariki me te Rangatahi ki Lake Alice.
By 28 March 2024 we will provide our final report. We will report on what we found out about the nature of the abuse, the extent of it, what impact it had on people, what has improved, and what may still need to be done.