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 Governor General in 2023 on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We do not provide compensation for historical abuse or neglect.
Setting up the Inquiry
At the beginning of the Inquiry guidelines are set about our focus and timeframe. The most important of these is the Terms of Reference.
Collecting information
Information is collected from survivors at private sessions and by the Inquiry's research team. This information will be made anonymous and be used in reports and to plan themes of investigations.
Gathering evidence
The Royal Commission has nine investigations underway into abuse and neglect that occurred in State and faith-based care settings, and into themes and issues, and has been gathering witness statements and obtaining and analysing documentary evidence. Public hearings are part of the investigations process and some survivors take part in these.
Producing reports
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 we will provide an interim report on redress. This will include recommendations for the provision of redress for people who have suffered abuse in care of State or faith-based institutions.
By June 2023 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.