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Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry

Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry

This Royal Commission is an independent inquiry into abuse in state care and in the care of faith-based institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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  • Part 1: Purpose and process
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
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Chapter 1: Introduction Upoko 1: He whakatakinga

1. This part sets out the purpose of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the care of Faith-based Institutions (the Inquiry) and describes the processes used to carry out its work.

2. Chapter 2 sets the scene by describing the sequence of events that led to the Inquiry being established.

3. Chapter 3 describes how the Inquiry came about. It explains the Terms of Reference, which set out the Inquiry’s purpose and scope, and the matters that are out of scope. This chapter also explains how and why the Terms of Reference changed during the Inquiry.

4. Chapter 4 provides data about how many survivors took part in the Inquiry and an overview of what they shared.

5. Chapter 5 describes how the Inquiry carried out its work, including how evidence and information was gathered. It describes the ways the Inquiry engaged with survivors, whānau and communities. It explains how the Inquiry’s advisory and reference groups provided input and feedback on analysis. It describes the kinds of evidence and information the Inquiry gathered and the processes it followed to make sure the Inquiries reports were impartial, fair and accurate.

6. Chapter 6 explains the frameworks the Inquiry used to guide its approach as well as its investigations and analysis. Some of the frameworks used are recognised as having weight in domestic and international law (te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights). Other frameworks are the values and principles held by communities that shape how they see the world (ngā tikanga me te ao Māori, Deaf, disability, and mental distress framework, and Pacific values framework).

Ngā pānui ki ngā tāngata o Aotearoa
Messages to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand

These words are from survivors who met with the Inquiry kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) in a confidential private session. The Inquiry gave them the opportunity to write a message to Aotearoa New Zealand on a postcard.

Excerpts from messages written by survivors “The abuse that happened to us while in State care. Be brave and tell your story it will make you a stronger person. Let’s do this together to stop it happening to others. Violence is not OK.” “The horrors have become intergenerational. They are now like a festering wound. Speak up – speak out – so these atrocities will not happen in the future”  “I hope and pray that children of today are treated with love and care”  “Never again, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata” “If I’d been valued, imagine who or what I could’ve been” “I am not a number, I am a human being. Tihei mauri ora”   “Together we can make a difference”   “If good people are courageous, we can stop abuse”   “We are desperate to create more peace inside ourselves”   “Don’t let the dark shadows of the past cloud your future”  “Listen to the children’s voices”   “There is always hope for change”   “Please protect the next generation from abuse and violence”   “We wonder if someone will genuinely listen and understand”   “To feel validated after so long of being powerless is an important part of the healing process”   “Know me before you judge me!”

Part 1: Purpose and process
  • He karakia
  • Glossary - Part 1
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Chapter 2: Why this Inquiry was established
  • Survivor experience: Mr KA
  • Survivor experience: Nooroa Robert
  • Chapter 3: Establishment and Terms of Reference
  • Chapter 4: People who took part in the Inquiry
  • Survivor experience: Beverly Wardle-Jackson
  • Chapter 5: How the Inquiry carried out its work
  • Chapter 6: The frameworks underpinning the Inquiry's work
  • He waiata
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