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 care, many of whom were Indigenous people. This apology marks a significant step towards acknowledging the deep harm inflicted upon these individuals and communities.
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03-12, 2025Speaking to lawmakers and a public gallery filled with abuse survivors, Luxon stated, "It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened." His words aimed to convey the gravity of the situation and the government's recognition of the immense suffering endured by those affected.
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 faith-based care institutions over seven decades. Luxon stated, "For many of you, this changed the course of your lives, and for that, the government must take responsibility." This acknowledgment highlights the long-lasting impact of the abuse and the government's commitment to addressing the consequences.
Luxon added, "Words matter, and I say these words sincerely: I have read your stories, and I believe you." He also stated that the Prime Minister was apologizing on behalf of successive governments. The inquiry report called the findings "a national disgrace" after a six-year investigation and is believed to be the most extensive investigation of its kind globally. The scale of the abuse uncovered underscores the urgent need for systemic change and accountability.
Between 1950 and 2019, 650,000 children and vulnerable adults in New Zealand (which currently has a population of 5 million) were in state, foster, and church care, and nearly a third of them suffered physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological abuse. Many more were exploited or neglected. A significant proportion of them were Māori, New Zealand's Indigenous people. The disproportionate impact on Māori communities further emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and targeted support.
In response to the inquiry's findings, the New Zealand government acknowledged for the first time that the historical treatment of certain 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. Prior to the apology, Luxon's government had faced criticism from some survivors and advocates for not yet releasing a financial redress scheme for abuse survivors. The development of a comprehensive redress scheme remains a crucial step in providing tangible support and justice to those who have suffered.
