New Zealand PM Issues Historic Apology for Decades of Abuse in Care

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally apologized to 200,000 survivors of abuse in state and church care, acknowledging the systemic failures over seven decades.

The apology follows a six-year inquiry revealing widespread abuse of children and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based institutions from 1950 to 2019.
The report identified that one in three individuals in care suffered abuse, with Māori and Pacific Islander communities disproportionately affected.
The inquiry made 138 recommendations, including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse and calls for apologies from religious leaders.
Survivors expressed mixed reactions, with some criticizing the lack of immediate financial compensation and tangible actions.
The government has begun implementing 28 recommendations and plans to establish a redress system by 2025.