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We are looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in State and faith-based care in Aotearoa New Zealand between the years 1950-99. We may also listen to survivor experiences before and after these dates.
Many people and organisations - survivors, community leaders, iwi and Māori, the Human Rights Commission and the United Nations - have, for many years, called for an inquiry into abuse in care in New Zealand.
We are guided by our Terms of Reference.
These were finalised after hearing from over more than 400 groups and individuals about what the Inquiry should focus on.
The Inquiry is investigating:
We are specifically focusing on Māori, Pacific People and people with disabilities because of the disproportionate amount of people from these communities in care.
Commissioners are listening to survivors share their experiences in private sessions.
We are conducting investigations into different themes and care settings, including holding public hearings throughout the Inquiry.
We are conducting research and engaging with communities.
We will make recommendations to the Governor-General in 2023 on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Royal Commission now has an information booklet in Easy Read format. Easy Read information is produced so that it is clear and easy to understand using short sentences supported by pictures. It is often created for people with a learning disability, and it's also helpful for people who use English as a second language, are Deaf or hard of hearing, or people who have low literacy skills.
Learn more about our Chair, the four commissioners, our Counsel Assisting and our Executive Director.
See what has been happening since the Inquiry was announced in 2018 and what is planned for the next phase of the Inquiry.
