New Zealand Government Issues Historic Apology for Care Home Abuse

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has apologized to victims of historical abuse in care homes, a scandal that affected over 200,000 people from 1950 to 2019, particularly Māori and Pacific communities. The government pledged to implement reforms and established a National Remembrance Day to honor victims.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered a landmark apology in parliament to victims of abuse within care homes, following a comprehensive inquiry into one of the nation's largest scandals. This formal acknowledgment comes on the heels of a report revealing that from 1950 to 2019, around 200,000 children and vulnerable individuals experienced abuse while in both state and faith-based care settings. The report highlights that marginalized groups, including Māori, Pacific Islanders, and those with disabilities, were particularly affected.

Luxon's apology stated, "I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments." He emphasized the grave nature of the findings, calling the abuse "horrific," "heartbreaking," and "wrong," recognizing the lasting impact it had on survivors' lives as the government accepts its responsibility for past failings. The inquiry, deemed the most comprehensive public investigation in New Zealand's history, spanned six years and included testimonies from thousands of survivors, revealing instances of severe maltreatment such as rape, forced sterilization, and labor exploitation.

The report also uncovered alarming trends, noting that faith-based institutions reported higher levels of sexual abuse compared to state-run facilities. It revealed a troubling pattern of civil and religious leaders colluding to hide the abuse, often relocating offenders rather than addressing their actions, leaving many victims feeling unheard and uncared for.

In response to the findings, the inquiry made over 100 recommendations, advocating for public apologies from both governmental and religious authorities, accompanied by new legislation mandating that suspected abuse cases be reported. Luxon noted that the government has already addressed or is in the process of implementing 28 recommendations and intends to provide a comprehensive response by next year. To further commemorate this moment, he announced the establishment of a National Remembrance Day scheduled for November 12 next year, coinciding with the anniversary of the apology.

“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs,” Luxon concluded, underscoring the commitment to reforming New Zealand’s care system. This apology marks a significant step toward justice for those whose lives were irrevocably altered by the abuse sustained in care institutions.