In brief
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has formally apologized to survivors of institutional abuse in New Zealand, addressing a historic scandal that impacted thousands, including Māori and Pacific communities.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a historic apology in parliament on Tuesday, acknowledging the horrific abuses suffered by 200,000 children and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based care from 1950 to 2019. This landmark apology followed a comprehensive six-year inquiry investigating the abuses, during which over 2,300 survivors recounted their experiences. Among the harrowing findings were cases of rape, forced sterilization, and forced labor, indicating an alarming prevalence of abuse, particularly within faith-based institutions.Luxon expressed regret on behalf of previous governments, stating, "It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened." The Prime Minister recognized the life-altering impacts of these abuses on survivors, emphasizing that the government must take accountability.Survivors, including members of Māori and Pacific communities, gathered in parliament and tuned in via livestream to hear the apology. Many advocates, however, criticized the format of the announcement, asserting it lacked direct outreach to those most affected by the trauma. As a Māori survivor, Tupua Urlich pointed out the lingering scars of abuse and disconnection from culture and family, asserting that true reconciliation cannot happen without tangible action following the apology.In response to this extensive inquiry, the New Zealand government is working on reforms to address the systematic failures evidenced in the report. Luxon noted plans for a financial redress mechanism for survivors, with an immediate infusion of NZ$32m ($19m) into the current system. However, specifics on a comprehensive restitution scheme are not expected to be revealed until next year.The inquiry also generated over 100 recommendations, including public apologies and mandatory reporting of suspected abuse. While Luxon reported progress on 28 recommendations, details remain sparse. A proposed legislative reform aimed at improving the safety of children in care was also announced, which includes a ban on strip searches and increased regulations on individuals working with minors.To ensure ongoing remembrance and accountability, Luxon declared a National Remembrance Day on November 12 next year, encouraging all citizens to commit to preventing future abuse. “It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted no longer occurs,” he stated.
