Tēnā Koutou
 
The Royal Commission is on track to deliver recommendations to the Minister of Internal affairs by 30 May and the full final report to the Governor-General by 26 June.
 
While natural justice is underway, Commissioners have been reviewing existing material, giving direction on production design, and preparing to finalise their findings and recommendations. The Royal Commission has been heavily involved in discussions with survivor groups throughout this. 
 

Judicial Review update

Last week, the Court of Appeal dismissed the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ appeal. This decision relates to the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness seeking to be excluded from the Royal Commission’s inquiry.
 
You can read the full judgment here.

Message on behalf of Christchurch City Council: Renaming Marylands Place and Marylands Reserve 

 The Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board has formally renamed Marylands Reserve and Marylands Place in Middleton, where Marylands School was originally located before it moved to Halswell. The Community Board makes naming decisions on behalf of the Christchurch City Council. They have made this decision in response to calls for the names to be changed, and in light of the Royal Commission’s recommendations in He Purapura Ora, he Māra Tipu – From Redress to Puretumu Torowhānui to remove any memorials to perpetrators of abuse.
 
Validation Park is the replacement name for Marylands Reserve, and Validation Place is the replacement name for Marylands Place.
 
The name changes will take effect from 4 June 2024. In the meantime, the Council will notify the relevant agencies, such as Land Information New Zealand and New Zealand Post; and get new signage made and installed.
 
More information can be found at ccc.govt.nz, or by contacting Tessa Zant, Engagement Manager, Christchurch City Council on (03) 941 8935 or Tessa.zant@ccc.govt.nz.

Help and support services

Remember we are here to support you. Please get in touch with our Contact and Support Centre if you would like to discuss any questions or wellbeing support options. 

Call us on 0800 222 727 

Email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz.

Call us from Australia on free phone 1800 875 745.

Write to us at PO Box 10071, Wellington 6140.

Visit our website www.abuseincare.org.nz.

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else: 

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm
• Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
• Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
• HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you.
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)
• Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)
• Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, live webchat on www.safetotalk.nz. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.
• Samaritans 0800 726 666.
• Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals.
• Skylight, 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
• SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
• Supporting Families in Mental Illness For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825. 
• Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims.
• Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.
• Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat