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Pānui - March 2023

Reminder: Survivor registrations close next Tuesday, 21 March

Following requests from survivors, and major weather event disruption for many, the Royal Commission extended the closing date of survivor registrations to 21 March – that’s next Tuesday.

For those survivors registered with the Royal Commission before this date, every effort will be made to hear your accounts by the end of April.
 
The Royal Commission is coming to an end soon, so we want to let survivors know what this means for you.
 
During this closing period, the Royal Commission will continue to provide the following services to all survivors: 

  • contact centre support 
  • wellbeing support 
  • survivors can call on the toll-free phone 0800 222 727 
  • text 8185 
  • email contact@abuseincare.org.nz 

Survivors will continue to receive regular pānui newsletters.


More than 4000 survivors have registered

To date we have received more than 4000 registrations from survivors, and many have come forward to share their experiences. These experiences have helped inform our final report and recommendations.


We are here to support you 

We know that news the Royal Commission is now in its final months may be distressing for some.

Remember, we are here to support you if you need it. For wellbeing support, please get in touch with us through our contact centre at 0800 222 727 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) or reach out to the services listed below.


Wesley College survivor breaks silence

In an exclusive with Indira Stewart at TVNZ, Sekope Kepu, Moana Pasifika Rugby Star and Old Boy of Wesley College, openly shared about his lived-experience of abuse at the school. He talked about his loyalty to the school, his mothers’ response when he recently shared his experience and his unwavering support to all survivors.
 
"I love the school so much and so do the students that attended Wesley. But I do not condone any of the abuse.
 
“To all those who say they had different experiences, all I would say is the evidence is there, our survivors are here, and we need to stand together.”
 
See the full story on the 1News website. For easy accessibility, the story is also available on Spotify: 

  • One News – Exclusive: Wesley College abuse survivor breaks silence. Read and listen here
  • Q+A programme – Sekope Kepu interview. Watch here


Hearing the voices of rangatahi

Throughout our inquiry, Commissioners have been keen to understand the experiences of rangatahi who are or have recently been in care. They also recognise the importance of hearing directly from the generation most impacted by the Commission’s recommendations for the future of care.  
 
In partnership with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, the Royal Commission is holding three wānanga between January and April with up to 12 rangatahi who have lived experience of being in State care.  
 
The wānanga are providing rangatahi with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the final stages of the inquiry by engaging with Commissioners, listening to Commissioners’ thoughts on findings and recommendations, and providing their views on what needs to change. 

Gang whānau hui update

Last month Commissioners held a very successful hui with gang whānau from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Gang whānau are a unique part of Aotearoa’s diverse survivor community with their own stories to tell about surviving State and faith-based care. 
 
State care has played a significant role in the growth of gangs in New Zealand, with many gang whānau being survivors of abuse as children or young people.
 
The hui was the result of many months of relationship building and the partnership we have developed with Hikoi Nation so that gang whānau can have a voice in our inquiry. 
 
Gang whānau spoke about their experiences in care and the impact of the abuse they experienced. In the afternoon, the wānanga focused on what is needed to heal and what needs to change. After the hui, Kaitakawaenga and kaimahi from our Private Sessions team were available to hold private sessions with any gang whānau who wanted to talk about their own particular experiences in care.

Here's some of the media coverage of the hui:

  • Newshub – Rare show of unity from gangs at abuse in care inquiry. Read and watch here

  • Stuff – Gangs come together for Royal Commission Abuse in Care hui. Read here

  • Dominion Post and Stuff – Searching for a place of belonging – an op ed by Fa’afete

  • One News – Gang whānau gather for joint hui on abuse in State care. Read here

  • The Spinoff – Courageous kōrero is the first step to overcoming intergenerational trauma. Read here

  • Radio NZ and Newsroom – The Detail: Gangs unite to speak up on abuse in care. Read and listen here

  • Sunday Star Times – Gangs ‘gave me a sense of belonging and power’. Read here

  • Newstalk ZB – An attendee of the gang hui speaks with Kerre Woodham about the significance of the gathering and understanding the stories of gang members. Listen here


Crown Response Unit pānui

You can read the latest pānui from the Crown Response Unit here. If you have any queries about the CRU pānui, please email your queries to contact@abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz


How to get in touch with us 

Call us in New Zealand on 0800 222 727 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or text 8185.

Call us from Australia on free phone 1800 875 745.

Email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz.

Write to us at PO Box 10071, Wellington 6140.

Visit our website www.abuseincare.org.nz.

 

Help and support services

  • Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm

  • Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

  • Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)

  • Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.

  • HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.

  • Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

  • Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you.

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

  • OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)

  • Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)

  • Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, live webchat on www.safetotalk.nz. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.

  • Samaritans 0800 726 666.

  • Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals.

  • Skylight, 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.

  • SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

  • Supporting Families in Mental Illness For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825. 

  • Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims.

  • Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.

  • Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat