Our inquiries Ā mātou uiui

Our inquiries give a voice to those victims and survivors of abuse and neglect in care who want to share their experiences. There are nine investigations currently underway into abuse and neglect that occurred in State and faith-based care settings, and into themes and issues.

Through inquiries we will make findings about what happened and why, and also to look forward and make meaningful recommendations for change to the way New Zealand cares for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Inquiries use different ways of gathering information to answer the questions in the Terms of Reference, including witness statements, research, roundtables, hui and fono, analysis of anonymised information from private sessions and written accounts, public hearings, submissions, and policy analysis.

Most care setting inquiries will select institutions as case studies to closely examine particular issues, for example a school or a hospital. Thematic inquiries may also have case studies on particular issues such as redress processes. Most case studies will include public hearings. At the end of most, if not all, of the inquiries the Commission will publish a report which will include findings and recommendations.

Photo credit (Sunset): Kararaina Beckett

Māori experiences of abuse in care

The Māori investigation will examine issues that are relevant to Māori experiences of abuse in State and faith-based care.

Pacific people’s experiences of abuse in care

This investigation will look into themes and survivor experiences relevant across all state and faith-based settings where abuse of Pacific People occurred.

Investigation into disabled people’s experiences of abuse in care

This investigation will examine issues and themes that are particularly relevant to disabled people’s experiences of abuse in care.

Investigation into abuse in State and faith-based disability care settings

This investigation will examine issues and themes that are particularly relevant to disabled people’s experiences of abuse in care.

State and faith-based redress

This investigation will examine and report on abuse and neglect of children and young people in residences run by the State and faith-based institutions.

Abuse in children's State residential care

This investigation will examine and report on abuse and neglect of children and young people in residences run by the State.

Abuse in State psychiatric care

As part of the investigation into abuse in psychiatric care, the Inquiry will investigate what occurred at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital in the 1970s.