New Zealand's leaders formally apologise to survivors of abuse in state and church care

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a "formal and unreserved" apology in Parliament on Tuesday for the widespread abuse, torture, and neglect suffered by hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults in state care, many of whom were indigenous people. This apology marks a significant step towards acknowledging the profound harm caused by these systemic failures.

Addressing lawmakers and a public gallery packed with abuse survivors, Luxon stated, "It was horrific, it was heartbreaking, and it was wrong. And it should never have happened." His words aimed to convey the depth of remorse felt by the government and the importance of acknowledging the pain inflicted upon the victims.

A scathing report released in July, at the conclusion of New Zealand's largest-ever inquiry, estimated that 200,000 people suffered "unimaginable" abuse in state, foster, and religious care systems over seven decades. Luxon stated, "For many of you, it changed the trajectory of your lives, and for that, the government must take responsibility." The report highlighted the systemic nature of the abuse and the long-lasting impact on survivors.

Luxon added, "Words matter, and I say these words sincerely: I have read your stories, and I believe you." He indicated that the Prime Minister was also apologizing on behalf of previous governments. The inquiry report, after six years of investigation, concluded that the findings were "a national disgrace," believed to be the most extensive investigation of its kind globally. The government hopes to learn from the past and prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Between 1950 and 2019, in a country of 5 million people, 650,000 children and vulnerable adults were in state, foster, and church care, with nearly a third experiencing physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological abuse. Many more were exploited or neglected. The vast majority were Māori, New Zealand's indigenous people. In response to the findings, the New Zealand government first acknowledged that the historical treatment of some children in a notorious state-run hospital constituted torture and pledged to apologize to all those abused in state, foster, and religious care since 1950. This acknowledgement represents a crucial step in acknowledging the specific harm inflicted on Māori communities.

Prior to Tuesday's apology, some survivors and advocates condemned Luxon's government for not yet revealing plans for financial compensation for abuse survivors. The lack of a concrete compensation plan remains a point of contention and a source of ongoing concern for many affected individuals.