It’s hard to give evil a name as it comes in many guises and disguises, but now we can; State care and faith-based organizations. Tens of thousands of our citizens and children over 50 years have had evil visited upon them; they didn’t walk through its door it crossed their thresholds – evil did it in such a way that often it disguised itself in cloth of trust preying in the vulnerable in such a way it set many on a path to destruction of their lives and that of their families. We, as a nation, let evil into our land and when it was called upon to show itself, we turned a blind eye. We turned our backs on what was obvious, and we still have not turned to face it – because it still happens.
I was an inaugural member of the Taumata / Council of the Royal Commission when it first began, resigning to undertake the review, as Chair, of the Ministry for Children / Oranga Tamariki. I sat through a lot of the evidence and during my review, I met with hundreds of New Zealanders from many backgrounds. I met people I had great debates with such as Paul Zentveld, the champion of the voice of survivors from Lake Alice through to Steve Evans from Justice for Families and I can tell you without them and the many others these issues still might not have been brought to light.
New Zealand’s Royal Commission into Abuse in Care has shed a harsh, necessary light on a dark chapter in the nation’s history. The commission, established to investigate the abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based care from 1950 to 1999, has revealed a litany of horrifying experiences. The testimonies and evidence gathered underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform and justice for the survivors.
The commission’s findings are staggering. Tens of thousands of individuals suffered physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care. The report documents systemic failures at multiple levels: inadequate oversight, failure to act on complaints, and a culture of silence that allowed abuse to flourish. These institutions, both state and faith-based, failed in their most fundamental duty to protect the vulnerable.
One of the most harrowing aspects of the commission’s work is the personal testimonies. Survivors have courageously recounted their experiences, often for the first time, reliving traumas that have left indelible marks on their lives. Their stories reveal a pattern of abuse that was not only widespread but also deeply entrenched in the systems meant to safeguard them.
The commission has made several critical recommendations. These include establishing a new independent body to oversee the care of vulnerable individuals, implementing rigorous background checks and training for caregivers, and providing long-term support and compensation for survivors. These recommendations are a crucial step towards addressing the wrongs of the past and preventing future abuse. This must be led by the survivors and their whanau/families.
However, the road to justice and healing is long. Implementing these recommendations requires not just legislative and procedural changes, but also a cultural shift. There needs to be a fundamental change in how society views and treats its most vulnerable members. This involves promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect within care institutions.
The government’s response to the commission’s findings will be a litmus test for its commitment to justice and human rights. It must act swiftly and decisively to implement the recommended reforms. Survivors have waited too long for recognition and redress. Delays or half-measures would be a further betrayal of their trust.
Moreover, the public has a role to play. Society must listen to and support survivors, acknowledging their pain and resilience. There should be widespread education on the issues of abuse and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations. Only through collective effort can we ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
The Royal Commission into Abuse in Care has exposed a painful truth about the country’s past. The revelations are a call to action, demanding justice for survivors and systemic change to protect future generations. The commission’s work is a reminder that the measure of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable. It is now up to all of us to heed this call and work towards a more just and compassionate future.
Radio Waatea and its board would like to advise that the opinions expressed in this article are those of Matthew Tukaki and not necessarily the views of Radio Waatea, its Management, or its Board. Matthew is also the former Chairman of Suicide Prevention Australia and Director of the New Zealand Government’s National Suicide Prevention Office. Matthew was also Chair of Australia’s National Suicide Prevention Coalition and an inaugural member of the Royal Commissions Taumata. Tukaki is also the former Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Board of the NZ Ministry for Children.
