biculturalism

The co-existence of two distinct cultures.

civil claims

A claim for damages (often in the form of financial compensation) or other remedies pursued through courts, tribunal or other dispute resolution processes.

civil liability

The legal obligation of a person or organisation to pay damages or compensation to another.

civil litigation

Formal legal court proceedings between private individuals or organisations that seek to resolve a dispute.

exemplary damages

Damages or compensation awarded to punish a party for particular conduct. They are punitive in nature rather than compensatory.

impunity

In this report impunity refers to situations where an abuser acts as if they are free of blame, immune and exempt from reprimand, punishment, prosecution and sentencing for abuse and/or neglect. It includes the abuser knowing it is unlikely they will be held accountable for their actions.

limitation defence

A defence to a legal claim that excludes liability on the basis that the legal claim has not been filed within a period of time as required by law.

limitation period

A period of time following an event or events during which a legal claim can be filed for damages or other remedies.

limitation law

A law that limits or excludes liability by reference to the time when civil proceedings are commenced.

limitation reforms

Legislative reform that seeks to amend the law relating to limitation.

oranga

A reo Māori term for life, life-time, life-span, life-long.

rongoā Māori

A traditional Māori healing system; a holistic and cultural healing practice incorporating deep, personal connections with the natural environment.

puretumu torowhānui 

A holistic approach to redress that seeks to restore a person’s mana and dignity, to help them heal from trauma and to provide financial  compensation that is fair and truly reflects the harm done to them.

psychopaedic 

Outdated Aotearoa New Zealand term to distinguish people with a learning disability from people experiencing mental distress.

urupā

A reo Māori term for a burial ground.