- New Zealand apologises for decades of abuse in state and church care
- PM apologies in Parliament acknowledging widespread abuse, neglect and exploration
- 200,000 suffered “unimaginable” levels of abuse landmark report says
- Maori population disproportionately represented among the victims
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a formal apology in Parliament on Tuesday to survivors of abuse in state, foster, and faith-based care. His apology acknowledged the widespread abuse, neglect, and exploitation endured by hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults over seven decades.
“It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened,” Luxon told lawmakers and a gallery filled with survivors.
The apology follows the release of a landmark report in July, concluding a six-year inquiry that uncovered “unimaginable” levels of abuse. The investigation revealed that of the 650,000 people in state, foster, and church care between 1950 and 2019, approximately 200,000—nearly a third—suffered physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological abuse. Many others experienced neglect and exploitation.
The findings were particularly devastating for New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori population, who were disproportionately represented among the victims.
The inquiry described the systemic abuse as a “national disgrace,” highlighting instances of torture at some state-run facilities. For the first time, the government acknowledged that the historical treatment of children in certain institutions met the definition of torture under international law.
Despite the apology, survivors and advocates criticised the government for its lack of clear plans for financial compensation. Many argue that the apology, while significant, must be accompanied by tangible reparations to address the long-term impact of the abuse.