Royal Commission calls for public submissions on draft Terms of Reference

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care is welcoming submissions from the public on the draft Terms of Reference.

Chair of the Royal Commission Sir Anand Satyanand says the legacy of people taken into state care who suffered neglect and abuse is a stain on our country’s history.

“A majority of people who have been in state care are Māori and Pasifika. While some people benefited, many did not and suffered abuse and neglect. The Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called for this matter to be the subject of an independent inquiry. The Government has accepted the task.”

The Royal Commission is now receiving submissions on the draft Terms of Reference. Submissions can be made by:
• Email: abuseinstatecare@royalcommission.govt.nz
• Post: PO Box 10071, The Terrace, Wellington 6143
• Free phone 0800 222 727 will be available from 8.30am Tuesday 3rd April.
Submitters should state if they want their submissions to be confidential.

Sir Anand Satyanand says “I have already spoken with a number of individuals and organisations with a history of involvement in state care. Now I would like to hear the views of the New Zealand community on the draft Terms of Reference.”

“I will then present the Minister of Internal Affairs with a report on the results of the consultation along with any advice that I may have on the matters discussed. It will be for Cabinet to agree the terms of reference, which will be formally notified by the Minister.

“Once the Terms of Reference are gazetted, the Royal Commission can begin the process of hearing evidence, addressing the needs and concerns of survivors and investigating ways to prevent further abuse.

“We have an obligation to make a better future for all New Zealanders. We need to work together to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.
“You may wish to approach a friend or family member to help you make a submission. Please tell us if you want your submission to remain confidential.”
Submissions close on Monday 30th April 2018.
For further information www.abuseinstatecare.royalcommission.govt.nz

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