Update on the Royal Commission’s progress 

We remain focused on delivering our final report to the Governor-General by 28 March 2024. 

Work continued on finalising the last sections of the final report so that we could start the natural justice process required under the Inquires Act. 

The Inquiry must, if it proposes to make a finding that is negative about any person, be satisfied that the person is aware of the matters on which the proposed finding is based and has had an opportunity, at any time during the course of the Inquiry, to respond on those matters. 

Currently, parts of the final report have been sent to affected parties and further parts will be sent out this month.   

In November the Royal Commission continued to meet with survivors, academics, advocates and organisations to discuss and test possible solutions. 

On Thursday last week Commissioners provided the Minister of Internal Affairs with high-level categories of recommendations. The Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference require us to present the Minister of Internal Affairs with recommendations by 30 November 2023. 

We provided high-level categories only, as it is essential we do not finalise our recommendations before we have finished natural justice. We need to conduct our work in a way that is consistent with our duties to act impartially and fairly as set out in the Inquiries Act. The natural justice process will be completed in the new year. After that we will look to finalise our recommendations.

Judicial Review update

The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses (Australasia) Limited has filed a notice to appeal the decision of the High Court, which dismissed their application for judicial review. 

As the matter is now before the Court of Appeal, it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time. The work of the Royal Commission will continue while the Court considers the appeal.

Contacting the Royal Commission over the holiday period 

We understand this may be a difficult time of year. The Royal Commission is committed to ensuring that survivors have access to support if needed. With this in mind please know that the Commission is closed from midday Wednesday 20th December 2023 and re-opening Monday 8th January 2024. 

Our inbox will be monitored during the break for any urgent matters. For general enquiries and questions regarding wellbeing support options, please leave a message on 0800 222 727 and include your contact information. Or alternatively email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz and we will contact you in the New Year.  

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: 

LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) 

SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) 

YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 

NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)  

KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) 

WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) 

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) 

SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666 

OUTLINE: 0800 688 5463 (confidential service for the LGBTQI+ community, their friiends and families) 

RURAL SUPPORT TRUST: 0800 787 254. 

Message of behalf of Christchurch City Council 

Renaming of Christchurch ‘Marylands’ places: have your say 

Christchurch City Council proposes to rename Marylands Reserve and Marylands Place in Middleton, where the school was originally located before it moved to Halswell. This is in response to 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. 

Council staff met with a group of Marylands School survivors in October to seek their ideas and suggestions for a new name. The group indicated their top three preferences are Validation, Monarch and MSSAT. Council staff would like to hear which of these options you prefer. Your feedback will help them decide what the new name of the park and street will be.  

 
Option 
Meaning / reason  
Validation Park* / Validation Place 
Survivors highlighted that they were not listened to or believed for a long time. This name represents the recognition and awareness of survivors’ experiences and symbolises survivors ‘taking back their power’. 
Monarch Park* / Monarch Place 
The butterfly is a symbol of profound change or transformation, as well as the beauty of life’s continuous unfolding. It represents growth, opening up, and flying away. 

It also links to the investigation into the Brothers of St John of God undertaken by the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry – “Stolen Lives, Marked Souls”. At the request of the survivor group, the monarch appeared throughout the report to represent their experiences. 
MSSAT Park* / MSSAT Place 
MSSAT stands for the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust – an organisation providing support for many survivors of Marylands School. This option recognises the significant impact the work of MSSAT has had on the lives of survivors. 

Note: This option is meaningful and supported by survivors, however Council staff are almost certain it will not be accepted because as an acronym it does not meet naming criteria. 
 

*While currently known as a reserve, the future name could include either ‘park’ or ‘reserve’. The options in the survey indicate ‘park’, but please consider this as interchangeable with ‘reserve’ for the purposes of this consultation, as it is yet to be determined which will be used. 

You can tell the Council which option you prefer by filling in this online form by Friday 19 January 2024. Alternatively, you can provide your feedback to Tessa Zant, Manager Engagement, Christchurch City Council on (03) 941 8935 or Tessa.Zant@ccc.govt.nz. 

How to get in touch with us

Call us in New Zealand on 0800 222 727 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or text 8185. (Noting the closedown period from midday Wednesday 20th December 2023 and re-opening Monday 8th January 2024, as described above)

Call us from Australia on free phone 1800 875 745.

Email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz.

Write to us at PO Box 10071, Wellington 6140.

Visit our website www.abuseincare.org.nz.

Help and support services 

Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 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)   

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. 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   

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 0800 842 846 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