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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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  • Marylands School (St John of God) Hearing
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Marylands School (St John of God) Hearing 9 to 17 February 2022

About the hearing 

The Inquiry heard from survivors, church leaders and State witnesses about the abuse and neglect by the Hospitaller Order of St John of God (St John of God) religious brothers that occurred at Marylands School and two other institutions in Christchurch – St Joseph’s Orphanage and the Hebron Trust. 

The hearing explored: 

  • the nature and extent of abuse that occurred at Marylands School 
  • why the abuse happened 
  • the impacts of that abuse on survivors and their families 
  • whether there were any systemic, structural or other factors which contributed to the abuse 
  • whether the response by the Catholic Church to allegations of abuse was adequate. 

***Distressing content warning***

This material contains explicit descriptions of tūkino – abuse, harm and trauma – and may evoke strong negative, emotional responses for readers. Although this response may be unpleasant and difficult to tolerate, it is also appropriate to feel upset. Respect others’ truths, breathe deeply, take care of your spirit and be gentle with your heart. However, if you or someone in your close circle needs support, please contact your healthcare or wellbeing provider. 

Hearing schedule

Outlined below are the survivors and experts that spoke at the hearing. Witness statements, briefs of evidence, video footage and transcripts of their testimony can be accessed through the links below. 

Day 1: 9 February 2022

  • Opening statments
  • Steven Long
  • Ms DN

Day 2: 10 February 2022

  • Adam Powell
  • Mr AU
  • Mr DG
  • Darryl Smith
  • Eddie Marriott

Day 3: 11 February 2022

  • James Tasker
  • Hanz Freller
  • Alan Nixon
  • Danny Akula
  • Ms AM

Day 4: 14 February 2022

  • Mr AL
  • Dr Michelle Mulvihill
  • Ken Clearwater
  • Sonja Cooper and Sam Benton 

Day 5: 15 February 2022

  • Mr AQ
  • Brother Timothy Graham
  • Trevor McDonald

Day 6: 16 February 2022

  • Mr DA
  • Archbishop Paul Martin
  • Detective Superintendent Peter Read
  • Peter Galvin
  • Linda Hrstich-Meyer
  • Mr DL

Day 7: 17 February 2022

  • Mr CB
  • Mr CZ
  • Documentary clip
  • Closing statements
Public hearings
  • Faith-based Institutional Response Hearing
  • State Institutional Response Hearing
  • Ūhia te māramatanga Disability, Deaf and Mental Health Institutional Care Hearing
  • Foster Care Hearing
  • Tō muri te pō roa, tērā a Pokopoko Whiti-te-rā (Māori Experiences) Hearing
  • Marylands School (St John of God) Hearing
  • Tulou – Our Pacific Voices: Tatala e Pulonga (Pacific Peoples’ Experiences) Hearing
  • Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit Hearing
  • State Children’s Residential Care Hearing
  • Faith-based Redress Hearing (phase 2)
  • Faith-based Redress Hearing (phase 1)
  • State Redress Hearing (Phase 2)
  • State Redress Hearing (Phase 1)
  • Contextual hearing
  • Procedural Hearing
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