On Wednesday 24 July, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care released its final report.

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has announced he will make a formal public apology at Parliament on 12 November 2024 to those who experienced abuse in state and faith-based care.

Faith-based institutions, including Catholic entities, have been the subject of Inquiry by the Royal Commission.  The report will focus on general themes and experiences of survivors/victims of abuse.  In addition, there will be specific examples of abuse in institutions and failures to respond by leaders from many entities.

The Inquiry’s website has more information on the report.  The website is: https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/

Summaries of findings and recommendations will be made available on the website of the Church’s response group – Te Rōpū Tautoko – in the coming weeks.  The Te Rōpū Tautoko website is https://tautoko.catholic.org.nz/

The Catholic bishops and congregational leaders released a letter for Catholic communities last weekend.  This can be accessed here for your information.

At this time, our thoughts and aroha are with all who have suffered abuse, neglect, or harm of any kind in care.