Live updates: Christopher Luxon makes official apology for abuse in state care
The Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill has had its first reading in Parliament on Tuesday.
The Bill will make changes to multiple Acts, and will:
It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a historic official apology to the estimated 200,000-plus thousands who were abused in state and faith-based care institutions over decades.
With around 200 abuse survivors watching on from the public gallery at Parliament today, Luxon delivered the national apology.
“You deserved so much better and I am deeply sorry that New Zealand did not do better by you,” he said in a speech where he said sorry several times.
“I am sorry you were not believed when you came forward to report your abuse.
“I am sorry that many bystanders – staff, volunteers and carers – turned a blind eye and failed to stop or report abuse.
“I am sorry the state’s oversight of people in care was so poor.”
He made specific mention of those who were tortured at the Lake Alice facility.
“Young, alone – and subjected to unimaginable pain. I am deeply sorry.”
Luxon admitted his words might “count for little” to some and must be accompanied by actions.
He pointed to the royal commission of inquiry’s 138 recommendations, saying the Government had either completed or was progressing 28 of them.
Noting financial redress was very important to many survivors, Luxon reiterated his earlier comments that no amount of money would make up for the abuse.
He accepted the current redress scheme was not fit-for-purpose and announced $32 million of Government funding to “increase capacity in the current system while we work on the new redress system”.
“But I want to assure you it is our intention to have a new single redress system operating next year,” he said.
The Prime Minister also revealed a National Remembrance Day would be held on November 12 next year to mark the one-year anniversary of the apology.
“This will provide us with an opportunity to stop and reflect on what you endured and ensure we are doing all we can to prevent future abuse.”
He also committed to work removing street names, public amenities, and public honours that highlighted “proven perpetrators”, a move welcomed in hushed tones by some in the gallery.
STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE LIVE BLOG
Important that government officials hear survivors' 'raw' emotion – Stanford
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Erica Stanford said she understood why some people were vocally critical of the chief executives of government departments during their apologies. Many booed and made other comments during their speeches. She said those survivors hold a lot of emotion and that was "raw". Stanford said it was important her ministerial colleagues heard that.
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Erica Stanford wouldn't go into what amount of compensation the survivors would get. She refused to say if it would be close to what people who are wrongly imprisoned get as compensation.
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Erica Stanford said advice she has received found the threshold for torture had only been met at Lake Alice. She asked for advice about behaviours – which she acknowledges were horrific – at other institutions, but that threshold wasn't met. Stanford said she sought advice outside of Crown Law.
Luxon says cost will eventually be a factor
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He said no amount of compensation or money makes the behaviour acceptable. That is the reality, Luxon said, and starting from that point ministers are deciding what can be done to deliver for as many survivors as possible.
He recognises not everyone will be supportive. Cost will be a factor eventually, Luxon said.
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Luxon said the Government's focus has been on supporting survivors, including with payments made already as well as strengthening the care system and designing a redress system.
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Asked if it was appropriate for Attorney-General Judith Collins and Solicitor-General Una Jagose to hold their roles considering previous denials, Luxon said Jagose has this morning apologised. He said the state has repeatedly failed in the past.
Luxon said he left event before it finished to prepare for the apology
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Asked why he left the first function of the day before it finished, Luxon said he needed to prepare for the apology, but he maintained he was engaged in the process and would be spending more time with the survivors.
Luxon said the Government was taking financial redress seriously, pointing to moves already to provide payments to Lake Alice victims.
Why the apology was held in Parliament
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Asked if he would do anything differently in organising this event after hearing criticism from survivors, Luxon said he was proud of it and had worked with other parties.
He has received letters from victims and survivors with encouragement.
Stanford said one of the recommendations of the report was to hold the apology at Parliament. She said ministers agonised over that as not all survivors could attend. She said survivors were split, with some not wanting it at Parliament, while others wanted it done formally in the House so it could be recorded.
They decided to side with the Royal Commission and there were other locations around the country showing the apology.
There is a lot more work to do to support survivors - Luxon
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The Prime Minister and Erica Stanford have arrived at the press conference.
Christopher Luxon said today is a very significant and emotional day. He again offers a formal apology to everyone who has suffered abuse while in care.
A "terrible injustice" has taken place in the name of the state, he said.
He said the Government has started or completed 28 recommendations from the Royal Commission. This afternoon it will introduce legislation to strengthen protections against abuse.
He said he has spent time with survivors and understands there is a range of perspective coming from 50 years of abuse in state care. The Government is taking its responsibility incredibly seriously, Luxon said.
There is a lot more work to do to support survivors, Luxon said.
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Politicians and all those in the public gallery are now singing a waiata.
Following that, Luxon and Stanford are expected to hold a press conference shortly.
Hipkins personally apologised for Labour Government not acting quickly enough on redress
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Hipkins personally apologised for how the last Labour Government did not act quickly enough to enact a new redress scheme and said the party owed a "huge debt" to survivors.
"Redress has taken far far too long."
Hipkins said Labour was fully committed to working with the Government to establish a streamlined redress process.
"There will be a big bill but it's nothing compared to the debt we owe survivors.
"We have enormous work to do. This apology must be a turning point."
Clapping from the gallery followed Hipkins recalling his conversation with a survivor ahead of his speech who told the Labour leader that the best way to prevent abuse in state care is to not put people in state care in the first place.
Hipkins added he supported the Government's work to take down memorials to abusers. He also encouraged the Government to do all that is necessary to hold people not yet outed as abusers to account.
'We apologise for ignoring you, for punishing you for speaking out'
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Representatives of Labour in the past punished survivors and silenced them, Hipkins admitted.
"That was wrong."
"We apologise for ignoring you, for punishing you for speaking out.
"Today I want to confirm that we hear you ... and we are sorry that took so long.
"You should have been safe, protected and believed. You were not."
'Unimaginable spectrum of horror': Hipkins says intergenerational and collective harm caused cannot be overstated
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Hipkins described the scale of abuse as an "unimaginable spectrum of horror", listing the people in positions of authority that committed abuse in various state and faith-based institutions.
"All of this at the hands of state and faith-based institutions that were entrusted with providing care and protection to you.
"The intergenerational and collective harm caused cannot be overstated."
He said people were separated from their sense of self, noting how Māori were impacted by policies and actions that were "blatantly racist".
"Pacific survivors were punished for who they were," Hipkins said.
'We will never know that true number' - Hipkins
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Hipkins said the country would bear witness to the truth, a history of denial and minimisation as abuse was perpetrated across decades.
"We will never know that true number," Hipkins said of the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who were abused.
"Every corner of New Zealand has been affected by this abuse."
"Rest knowing that you are heard today," Hipkins said to those survivors who had deceased before today.
He acknowledged the inquiry, while valued, would stir up the pain and trauma caused by the abuse.
Those in the public gallery murmured in agreement as Hipkins condemned actions by the state that involved knowingly destroying evidence of abuse.
'Hugely important day': Chris Hipkins says he fully endorses Luxon's apology
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins, after a brief kōrero in te reo, said he fully endorsed Luxon's comments and apology.
He acknowledged those survivors in the gallery, people watching across the country, those unable to engage due to the pain, and those who had passed before this day.
Hipkins said survivors had "carried their scars" for generations.
"Today is a hugely important day for all of you to finally hear what the Crown has failed to give you; an apology."
Watch: 'Unacceptable disruption' - Protester hauled off after interrupting PM's speech
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Karl Mokaraka, former candidate for Destiny Church’s Vision NZ party, yelled at Luxon to “make New Zealand great” as others in the gallery and members in the chamber told him to leave.
'This apology, which you may each take as personal, is now part of your story, too'
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Luxon finished his speech by saying he hoped the apology helped them in their healing.
“What happened is part of your life story, but not the only part.
“This apology, which you may each take as personal, is now part of your story, too.”
'You have been able to pierce the darkness': Luxon addresses survivors
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As he neared the end of his speech, Luxon commended those survivors who had endured abuse and gone on to live fulfilling lives.
“I applaud breaking that cycle that too often hangs like a curse over families. It does not mean you have forgotten or forgiven what occurred.
“However, you have been able to pierce the darkness with the light of hope and work through what you endured, to take opportunities and find pleasure in life.
“My hope is that today allows more of you to find a little more light because while today is about your past, it is also about your future.
“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs.
“That will be an enduring legacy of your contribution to changing the system, and the Government’s commitment to implementing that change.”
National Rememberance Day announced, Govt to remove public honours of 'proven perpetrators'
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Luxon revealed a National Remembrance Day would be held on November 12 next year to mark the one-year anniversary of the apology.
“This will provide us with an opportunity to stop and reflect on what you endured and ensure we are doing all we can to prevent future abuse.”
He also committed to work removing street names, public amenities, and public honours that highlighted “proven perpetrators”, a move welcomed in hushed tones by some in the gallery.
The Government would also collaborate with local authorities to “honour and care for unmarked graves located on sites that were places of care in New Zealand”.
Luxon announces $32 million to help current redress scheme
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Luxon admitted his words might “count for little” to some and must be accompanied by actions.
He pointed to the inquiry’s 138 recommendations, saying the Government had either completed or was progressing 28 of them.
Noting financial redress was very important to many survivors, Luxon reiterated his earlier comments that no amount of money would make up for the abuse.
He accepted the current redress scheme was not fit-for-purpose and announced $32 million of Government funding to “increase capacity in the current system while we work on the new redress system”.
“But I want to assure you it is our intention to have a new single redress system operating next year,” he said.
Luxon also announced a $2m fund that would help organisations currently providing support to survivors.
'I am deeply sorry': Luxon urges faith-based organisations to contribute to redress
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He made specific mention of those who were tortured at the Lake Alice facility.
“Young, alone – and subjected to unimaginable pain. I am deeply sorry.”
Echoing the words from public sector leaders earlier today, Luxon acknowledged how public services failed to provide safe spaces in state care and did not enable a simple resolution or honouring of the trauma caused.
“This has meant you have had to re-live your trauma over and over again. Agencies should have done better and must commit to doing so in the future.”
“Your own personal information was often withheld, destroyed, lost, or wrong or incomplete. Often there was no record of your ethnic origins, your family and whānau, the harm you experienced, the complaints you made, your medical treatments, or what social workers said about you.
“I am sorry.”
Luxon cited the apologies already made by some faith-based organisations for their role in facilitating abuse. He strongly encouraged those that hadn’t to do so and stated the Government had written to faith-based organisations to articulate its expectation they contributed to the redress process.
Deaf children punished for using sign language in state care
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Luxon made a series of apologies in his speech in front of a packed public gallery in the House.
“You deserved so much better and I am deeply sorry that New Zealand did not do better by you,” he said to survivors.
“I am sorry you were not believed when you came forward to report your abuse.
“I am sorry that many bystanders – staff, volunteers and carers – turned a blind eye and failed to stop or report abuse.
“I am sorry the state’s oversight of people in care was so poor.”
He spoke of Māori and Pasifika people suffering “racial discrimination” and disconnection from their families, language and culture.
Blind children were denied access to books in braille and deaf children were punished for using sign language, Luxon said.
'I have read your stories, and I believe you'
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon referenced the Abuse in State Care Royal Commission of Inquiry as the largest and most complex of its kind, hearing from more than 2400 people who had suffered at the hands of the state.
“Places where you should have been safe and treated with respect, dignity and compassion. But instead, you were subjected to horrific abuse and neglect and in some cases torture.”
“You knew the truth because you lived it, and you have waited and waited for people to start listening to you. Now New Zealand has listened.
“Words do matter and I say these words with sincerity: I have read your stories, and I believe you.”
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At least four security guards were required to initially pull Karl Mokaraka away from the gallery guard rail from where he was yelling at the Prime Minister.
As they pulled him towards a door, he eventually let up any resistance and walked out.
Luxon begins speech after 'unacceptable disruption'
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Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee described it as an "unacceptable disruption".
As he was being taken away, Mokaraka called on Te Pāti Māori to "end the division".
Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer soon stood up and told him to get out in te reo.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon began his speech by welcoming survivors in the public gallery and those watching from afar to a “significant, sorrowful but important day” in New Zealand’s history.
Describing himself as a “representative of not only this Government but all of the governments”, Luxon offered a “formal and unreserved apology for the abuse” suffered in state care, churches and other faith-based institutions.
“It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.
“For many of you it changed the course of your life, and for that, the Government must take responsibility.”
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Karl Mokaraka was saying “make New Zealand great”.
Others in the gallery were telling him to leave.
Karl Mokaraka taken out of the gallery after yelling at Luxon
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He has now been taken out of the gallery.
Karl Mokaraka causes disruption
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The Speaker is telling Karl Mokaraka, from Vision NZ, to leave the House after he stood and interjected. He is yelling at the Prime Minister.
Security are currently trying to pull him out.
'Five minutes is all this regime has afforded us to respond to a Prime Minister's apology we haven't even heard.'
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Tu Chapman, the third and final survivor to speak at Parliament ahead of the formal apology, is emotional as they begin their speech in te reo Māori. They describe themselves as a "proud Māori" and a survivor of abuse, showing support for the Toitu te Tiriti movement currently leading a protest that will land at Parliament next week.
Chapman began by criticising how speakers had only been given five minutes to speak.
"Five minutes for decades of abuse, neglect and torture," Chapman said.
"Five minutes is all this regime has afforded us to respond to a Prime Minister's apology we haven't even heard."
Luxon has left the hall to prepare for his apology in the House.
"That tells us something, does it not?" Chapman asked the crowd.
Speaking with emotion in their voice, Chapman said Luxon had led a Government that had picked and chosen when survivors insights were wanted.
"We fear too you will pick and choose recommendations."
"You owe us right now."
"We continue living with the decimation of our identities, the raping and pillaging of our cultures. The clear and utter destruction of lives cannot be downplayed."
"We are done with you wasting our time," Chapman said, as they called for timely action instead of constant "hui".
"Stop the tinkering, trust us. Trust our whānau and communities. Give us what we need so we can contribute, we have the answers."
"Prime Minister, put your money where your mouth is."
Speaking of future generations, Chapman hoped they would never have to experience the same abuse they and others did.
'It's time to deliver': Survivor calls on Luxon to 'do the right thing'
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The second survivor to speak, Keith Wiffin, said listening to the chief executive was similar to hearing the "meaningless words" from the past.
"Many have taken their own lives, many have had their lives shortened ... they did not survive the ill-treatment that they never should have had," Wiffin said of the survivors who had deceased.
He said the state care system had invested in avoiding accountability.
Citing the Royal Commission, Wiffin spoke of how state abuse had ripped families apart and leaving many unable to cope in the world. He said it had tarnished New Zealand's reputation for honouring human rights.
"He must connect with survivors as being genuine," Wiffin said of Luxon giving his apology to come later this morning.
Wiffin credited Luxon for his speech when the inquiry's report was tabled in Parliament, saying it gave hope that redress was coming.
"It is time to deliver. Do the right thing," he said to Luxon.
Luxon yesterday said a redress scheme wouldn't be announced until early next year, which had been criticised by some survivors.
Wiffin, continuing his speech, said all survivors needed to feel included in today's apology. He also called on Luxon to hold faith-based institutions to account and "compel them to do what's right".
"I can sit here for 105 minutes and I still wouldn't have enough time to outline the crimes of the state against children. Hopefully today is a significant catalyst for change otherwise it would have been a waste."
It was the state's abuse that prompted people to turn to gangs, survivor says
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Survivor Fa’afete Taito acknowledged those survivors who had passed before today's apology.
"There are many survivors present who have fought tirelessly for this day to arrive," he said.
He is listing names of survivors who had gone public with the abuse they suffered and their submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
"I will always stand in support of our gang whānau, which thousands of us joined," Taito said, saying it was the state's abuse that prompted people to turn to gangs.
"Sit with it and be grateful it wasn't you, " Taito said as he encouraged people to read the accounts of survivors.
Of the inquiry, Taito said many including him were conflicted about telling their stories. "It hurts to dig around the pain."
However, he said what survivors needed was accountability.
"Today we will finally see what accountability looks like."
Taito said it was a "non-negotiable" from today's proceedings that survivors would receive an assurance future generations wouldn't go through the abuse they did.
"You, the state, you owe us too. It's not enough to say sorry. Make it count."
Many are rising from their chairs to applaud Taito as he finishes his powerful speech, delivered in a calm fashion but full of measured emotion.
Survivors share their stories of immense sorrow
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The adversarial atmosphere has abated as survivors share their kōrero. It is one of support and immense sorrow.
The first of three survivors sharing their stories in-person, Fa’afete Taito, is now speaking.
Moment of silence for survivors who died before the apology
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A moment of silence is held to remember the survivors who have passed prior to the apology.
'Your words will never be enough': Video from late Sir Robert Martin played to the crowd
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A video from the late Sir Robert Martin is up first. It is being introduced by friend and colleague Gary Williams.
Williams said to the chief executives that he had heard their words and acknowledged they were "well-considered".
"But your words will never be enough for survivors because we've had decades of hearing words like that," Williams said to strong applause.
In the pre-recorded video, Martin described himself as one of the "lucky ones" as he built a family and a life for himself.
"We were shut away from New Zealand society and culture. This can even feel as bad as the abuse we experienced and witnessed," Martin said as he expressed support for a citizen ceremony for those institutionalised in New Zealand.
"My dream is that all disabled people have their rights."
The video has concluded and welcomed by a standing ovation by many in the crowd.
Speeches from survivors about to commence
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The apologies from the public sector leaders has now concluded.
A short waiata, Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, was sung directly after which appears to have settled the crowd.
Speeches from survivors now commences.
'So what are you going to do about it?' - Public Service Commissioner admits redress wasn't supplied quickly enough
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Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche "unreservedly" apologised for the harm committed under the state's watch. He accepted there was a disproportionate abuse perpetrated against Māori.
"Our public service should have kept you safe, complaints of abuse and neglect should have been responded to and abusers held to account. I deeply regret our failure to do that."
Roche acknowledged redress wasn't supplied quickly enough and in an appropriate manner.
"So what are you going to do about it?" one woman asked from the audience.
"I know nothing I can say today can fix these wrongs," Roche said.
He promised work was ongoing with relevant agencies to improve services and react to the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
'We hear you, we believe you, we are truly sorry'
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Acting Police Commissioner Tania Kura admitted police's "at-times singular focus on enforcement" was found to be "misguided".
"Some of our people harboured negative biases against you ... sometimes not believing your accounts.
"While we cannot undo the harm caused, we are committed to changing."
Kura finished by saying: "We hear you, we believe you, we are truly sorry."
Several members of the crowd have left the room in tears
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"There were times when we were too aggressive," Jagose said of the actions of Crown lawyers when dealing with claims of state abuse.
"We lost sight of you, the people behind the claims."
Several members of the crowd have left the room in tears as the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense. Others are calling on Jagose to stop and sit down. Jagose has had to pause several times as survivors shout at her.
Members of the local iwi have stepped in to calm the crowd.
"We will do better," Jagose finished.
Several booed Jagose as she walked off stage. A few people clapped.
'You never acknowledged us, you said we lied'
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Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC has received a very strong reaction from some in the crowd as she steps up for her apology.
"Stop breathing our oxygen.
"You must go.
"You betrayed us.
"You never acknowledged us, you said we lied."
'Swept the s*** under the carpet': Crowd interjects during MSD chief exective apology
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Ministry of Social Development chief executive Debbie Power said it was humbling and a privilege to speak before survivors today.
"We may have thought we were protecting you from harm, but we were putting you in harm's way."
She apologised for the errors made by MSD in the past concerning compensation.
"Our redress process has not always got things right," Power said to laughs.
"Swept the s*** under the carpet," one woman called out to Power.
Comments from the crowd are coming regularly from some members, making it hard to hear Power.
"We should have had better systems in place to protect you," she said.
The audience doesn't react well as Power details the changes MSD is making to its systems, showing a naturally high level of doubt of their promises.
'Profoundly sorry': Acting Education Minister apologises
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Acting Minister of Education chief executive Andy Jackson began with: "To all survivors and your whānau, I am deeply sorry. The harm you have experienced is unacceptable."
"Due to our actions and our inactions, you experienced abuse, neglect and predation."
He spoke of the abuse suffered across a range of schooling institutions across many communities and cultures.
"We stopped you speaking your language, practising your tikanga," Jackson said of the system's oppression of Māori culture.
"For the mistreatment you endured, I am profoundly sorry."
He referenced the mandatory checking now in place and regulations on physical restraint. "But we know there is a lot more work to do. That work is our responsibility."
'Too late': Tense atmosphere as officials continue apologies
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Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati accepted the health system failed to act when it was told of abuse and neglect.
"You were denied basic care dignity and privacy," Sarfati said, referencing the physical, sexual and medical abuse that occurred in health settings.
As she offers her apologies, a few in the crowd respond. "It's not enough," one said. "Too late," said another.
The tense atmosphere hangs in the banquet hall as the public service leaders continue to detail the failures of the public system to protect people in its care.
"We must never forget the lessons from the past," Sarfati ends with.
Acting Oranga Tamariki chief executive acknowledges abuse still exists within the care system
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The trauma for survivors is clear as acting Oranga Tamariki chief executive Andrew Bridgman continues his apologies.
As he claims New Zealand's care system has improved, some in the crowd shake their heads and frown.
Bridgman does acknowledge abuse still exists within the care system.
Bridgman receives a smattering of applause as he finishes.
One person calls out: "Shut down the boot camps."
Why Parliament was the wrong place for atonement – Russell Smith
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"The last place I would allow a perpetrator to pass an apology is from their house." - Russell Smith
Acting OT CEO first up to give his apology
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Acting Oranga Tamariki chief executive Andrew Bridgman was the first up to give his apology.
"I stand here to take responsibility, to unreservedly apologise.
"You were children who came into our care, we needed to protect you. Instead our people and our places harmed you.
"We are sorry for our failure," he said.
One member of the crowd responded in a hushed voice, "Damn straight".
"Nothing that happened to you was your fault, it was ours."
'Your words have endured and will never, ever be forgotten'
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Minister Erica Stanford spoke of the law changes the Government will introduce later today, acknowledging how all political parties would be supporting it. Some of those changes including outlawing strip-searches of children and increasing checks on staff, volunteers and others entering youth justice residences.
Speaking of those survivors who had passed before the apology, Stanford said their voices might be gone but "your words have endured and will never, ever be forgotten".
'You have waited literally a lifetime ... for the state to apologise'
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Minister Erica Stanford, leading the Government's response to the abuse in state care inquiry, began her speech by saying to survivors: "For many of you, you have waited literally a lifetime ... for the state to apologise.
"Today the Prime Minister will end that wait."
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About 250 people at the Parliament's Banquet Hall
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Luxon and other ministers spent the brief break chatting with survivors. Many appeared happy to speak with the Prime Minister. The audience is now estimated to number about 250.
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Four abuse survivors to make statements, one posthumously
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The mihi whakatau welcoming those in attendance to Parliament has concluded. A brief kai and refreshment break is now being provided ahead of the speeches set to be made by Erica Stanford - the lead minister in charge of the Government's response to the abuse inquiry - and several public sector leaders from 9.45am onwards.
Four abuse survivors will also make statements, one posthumously, before this session concludes at 11am.
Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins are set to speak in the House for the formal apology from 11.30am.
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It was expected about 200 abuse survivors are set to attend proceedings at Parliament today. Others have gathered at the nearby Pipitea Marae. More events are being held across the country.
Emotional moments ahead of official apologies
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It is an emotional and sombre scene that greets survivors as they file into the banquet hall and are greeted and hugged by ministers and MPs. Some are tearful, others have long embraces ahead of the apologies set to come from several public sector leaders.
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Abuse survivors arrive at Parliament's Banquet Hall
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More than 100 abuse survivors and their whānau in Parliament for the apology
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More than 100 abuse survivors and their whānau are seated at Parliament's Banquet Hall ahead of the Government's formal apology for abuse in state care.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has just walked in, alongside several of his ministers including the minister responsible for the abuse inquiry response Erica Stanford, Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Defence Minister Judith Collins, Social Development Minister Louise Upston, Children's Minister Karen Chhour, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka.
They are standing alongside members of the Opposition, including Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick as well as other MPs.
Government to outlaw strip-searching of children
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The Government intends to outlaw the strip-searching of children and strengthen regulations to prevent people with overseas convictions from working with children as part of its response to the “heartbreaking” magnitude of abuse suffered by hundreds of thousands at the hands of the state.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and minister Erica Stanford, who is responsible for responding to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in state care, yesterday detailed proposed changes to four pieces of legislation that would:
- Remove strip searches of children in care and provide new search powers for people visiting youth justice facilities.
- Strengthen restrictions for people working with young children.
- Enforce better record-keeping by government agencies.
- Include disability in the definition of vulnerable adult.
More details in the link below.
Survivors say they were tortured by state employees in psychiatric hospitals
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Survivors of abuse in New Zealand’s psychiatric system say they were tortured by state employees at state-owned and -operated institutions, and they want the Government to recognise it.
Prime Minister to officially apologise to victims of abuse in care
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At 11.30am today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will make a formal apology on behalf of the country to the thousands of New Zealanders – many who have since died – for the abuse they suffered while in state or faith-based care.
The National Apology agenda includes addresses from other members of the Government.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the event in Parliament.
STORY CONTINUES
However, the apology will not come alongside details about the Government’s plans to compensate those who suffered at the hands of the state, with Luxon yesterday confirming announcements on a redress scheme would not come until early next year.
Abuse survivor Paora Moyle was a former member of the Crown’s inquiry response unit but stepped down partly due to a lack of action concerning compensation.
She told the Herald the Government had failed to act in a timely enough fashion.
“I think there should have been some s*** in place way before now.”
She believed today’s apology was somewhat undermined by the lack of a redress scheme to back it up.
Te Ohaaki A Hine/National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together spokeswoman Jo Bader echoed Moyle’s criticism, saying redress was a top priority that “should have happened yesterday”.
“That’s not something that should be put off till 2025,” Bader said.
“While it’s progress that they are actually taking steps, they ought to have been taken a really long time ago.”
Luxon denied suggestions that cost was the determining factor behind the compensation scheme timeline, instead citing its complexity and the principles on which a scheme would be based as the current considerations.
Erica Stanford, the lead minister co-ordinating the Government’s response to the inquiry, said many recommendations were being addressed but the redress scheme was an “extraordinarily complex piece of work”.
Luxon and Stanford yesterday spoke together on the Government’s plans to progress several law changes inspired by some of the inquiry’s recommendations.
They included outlawing the strip-searching of children and strengthening regulations to prevent people with overseas convictions related to serious harm from working with children.
Luxon said the individuals who were abused in care should have been safe in institutions, but were in some cases tortured.
He expressed his “tremendous gratitude” to the survivors who have shared their stories as part of the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
It was “unacceptable” that scenarios such as strip searching of children were still permitted in New Zealand, he said.
Stanford acknowledged the issue of children being strip-searched had been on the Government’s “radar” for some months. Claiming the changes were “quite technical”, Stanford cited official advice that said it would have a limited impact on the workforce but she maintained it was worth progressing.
She said the stories of the survivors would be forever etched on the pages of New Zealand’s history.
Moyle again criticised the Government for not acting soon enough, saying ministers should have outlawed strip-searching years ago as she and others called for it.
Moyle would be one of the few survivors in Parliament today for the proceedings, which would begin with several public sector leaders – including those from police, social development, health and Oranga Tamariki –making apologies for their agencies’ role in facilitating the abuse.
Asked how she was feeling ahead of the apology, Moyle said, “What will be will be,” and noted how nothing would change unless the Government “put [its] money where [its] mouth is”.
Adam Pearse is a political reporter in the NZ Herald press gallery team, based at Parliament. He has worked for NZME since 2018, covering sport and health for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei before moving to the Herald in Auckland, covering Covid-19 and crime.