Evidence of the State Institutional Response public hearing
The responses of State agencies to the abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults was examined by the Royal Commission of Inquiry in a public hearing that ran from 15 to 26 August 2022.
During the 10-day State Institutional Response hearing, witnesses from Crown agencies were questioned on failures by the State to prevent and respond to abuse in State and faith-based care.
**Warning** This evidence includes graphic descriptions of abuse. Well-being support is available via phone, text or email.
Witnesses and evidence
Witness transcripts, briefs of evidence and video footage from their testimony at the hearing can be accessed through the links below.
Transcripts
All Transcripts from the State Institutional Response Hearing
Opening Statements
- Welcome and Opening Remarks of the Commissioners
- Opening Remarks of Kerryn Beaton - Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission
- Opening Remarks of SAGE (Survivor Advisory Group of Experts)
- Opening Remarks of Rachael Schmidt-McCleave - Counsel Assisting the Crown
- Opening Remarks of Counsel Assisting the Office of the Children's Commissioner
- Opening Remarks of Mr Stone
Ministry of Social Development – Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora
Debbie Power,Barry Fisk,Arran Jones
New Zealand Police – Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa
Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora
Dr Diana Sarfati, Dr John Crawshaw, Dr Arran Culver
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
Geraldine Woods, Amanda Bleckmann, Hannah Kerr
Ministry of EducationTe Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Iona Holsted, David Wales, Rachel Vink, Yvette Guttenbeil Po'uhila
Education Review Office – Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga
Nicholas Pole, Lynda Pura-Watson, Jane Lee
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children
Office of the Children’s Commissioner – Manaakatia a Tātou Tamariki
Judge Frances Eivers, Glenis Phillip-Barbara, Fiona Cassidy
Te Puni Kokiri – Ministry of Māori Development
Department of Corrections – Ara Poutama Aotearoa
Jeremy Lightfoot, Juanita Ryan, Neil Beales, Jessica Borg, Rebecca Barson
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Laulu Mac Leauanae, Aiono Matthew Aileone
Te Kawa Mataaho – Public Service Commission
Ombudsman New Zealand – Te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata