We are looking into what happened to tamariki, rangatahi and 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.

Values

The Royal Commission is about people, in particular tamariki, rangatahi and adults, and their experiences of historical abuse and neglect in State care and in the care of faith-based institutions.  The values of the Royal Commission are:

• Fairness and balance
• Independence and determination
• Transparency
• Aroha

Vision

Commissioners have established a vision for the Inquiry.  They want to ensure that both the outcome of the Inquiry and the process for engaging communities and survivors will transform the way care is provided to the most vulnerable people in our communities.  The Royal Commission’s vision is: 

“Transforming the way we, as a nation, care for tamariki, rangatahi and adults in our communities.”

Why have an Inquiry?

He aha te take o te pakirehua?

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 Aotearoa New Zealand.

What guides us?

He aha ngā tohu ārahi i a tātou?

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.

What is being investigated?

He aha hoki e mātaihia ana?

• Why people were taken into care
• What abuse happened and why
• The effects of the abuse

With the disproportionate amount of Māori, Pacific People and those with disabilities in care, we are specifically focusing on these communities.

What are we doing?

He aha ā tātou mahi?

Commissioners have listened to survivors share their experiences.

We conducted inquiries into different themes and care settings, held public hearings, wānanga, hui, fono and talanoa, and received written statements on the experiences of survivors and other witnesses.

We conducted research and engaged with communities.

We will make recommendations to the Governor-General in mid-2024 on how Aotearoa New Zealand can better care for tamariki, rangatahi and adults in State and faith-based care.