Wellington, November 12, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand formally apologized in Parliament on Tuesday for the “horrific” abuse suffered by thousands of children and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based care over a span of 70 years. Many of the victims were Indigenous Maori, who experienced systemic abuse and neglect.
“It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened,” Luxon said, addressing the abuse endured by approximately 200,000 individuals who were placed in care. “Today I am apologizing on behalf of the government to everyone who suffered abuse, harm, and neglect while in care. I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments.”
The Prime Minister’s heartfelt apology came as survivors, many of whom had long sought justice and acknowledgment, listened from a packed public gallery.
A Legacy of Abuse and Systemic Racism
The apology followed a public investigation led by the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which detailed extensive abuse, neglect, and torture from 1950 to 2019. Of the 650,000 children and vulnerable adults placed in state, foster, and church care, nearly one-third endured physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological abuse. The report documented shocking cases of sexual exploitation, forced separations of mothers and children, unwitting sterilizations, and instances of electric shock therapy, describing the systemic abuse as an “unthinkable national catastrophe.”
A significant portion of the abuse was intertwined with racism, targeting Indigenous Maori populations, further compounding their suffering.
Promises of Reform
In response to the Royal Commission’s 233 recommendations, the government has committed to enacting new safety measures within state care. While acknowledging that monetary compensation alone cannot undo the harm, Luxon noted that billions of dollars may be allocated to support survivors.
“Some of you may feel my words count for little after so long and so much hurt,” Luxon said. “But I hope that today, with this apology and the acknowledgment of your burden, it becomes a little lighter for some of you.”
The government’s pledge to confront the long-standing injustice aims to ensure meaningful reforms are implemented, creating a safer environment for future generations.
