Pānui – May 2024
Tēnā Koutou
We send you warm greetings, as we take in the beautiful colours of autumn and soon head into winter.
The Royal Commission has been a long journey for many of you; a journey that started well before this inquiry. Years have passed, and soon we reach a massive milestone. Our final report and recommendations will be complete.
That means this is one of the final few pānui from us. Please know that we will keep you up to date in the coming weeks about important dates and milestones. Our contact and support team remains in place for you. Their details are at the bottom of this pānui.
Delivering our recommendations
Commissioners are due to deliver their final recommendations to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister Brooke van Velden, by 30 May. The recommendations will not be public at this point. The final comprehensive report will be handed over to the Governor-General by 26 June. Soon after the Government will table the report in Parliament. The report and its recommendations can then be released to the public.
Survivor experiences shared
The Inquiry could never have happened without the support and solidarity of survivors and their strong networks. It is only by listening to their experiences that we have arrived at this point.
We are acknowledging those stories by releasing a survivor gallery page on the Royal Commission’s website. It is a place where some survivor’s experiences will be shared with photos and links to videos.
Although the gallery is available to see now, it’s also still work in progress as there will be a lot more survivor experiences added once the Royal Commission’s final report is published. So, please click on the link below to have a look at the gallery and learn more about the survivors.
Sign Language week
Deaf Aotearoa’s annual Sign Language week was celebrated across the motu last week. Sign language is one of the country's three official languages. The Inquiry is grateful to those from the deaf community who have shared their experiences of abuse and neglect in care.
The Royal Commission has worked with the Deaf community over the last few years to create NZSL videos about the Inquiry to highlight the work it’s doing, and to summarise the reports we've published so far. You can find them, along with other resources, reports and stories from survivors, on our website.
Working with the Deaf community
Update on Te Roopū Toiora from Rachael Walkinton, the Director of Survivor Engagement
Te Roopū Toiora was established in November 2022, as a national roopu of survivors of abuse in faith-based and state care. It was formed out of a desire to raise awareness of the national tragedy that is abuse in care, and its impact on survivors, whānau and communities. It will also create an enduring legacy for survivors following the release of the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Te Roopū Toiora has recently sought Charitable Trust status and plans to raise funds to support its mahi.
The mission statement of the Roopū is that “Survivors are empowered through the arts to share their narratives as a powerful tool of expression, raise awareness, bring healing, build resilience and have strength of voice.“
This kaupapa will include:
- providing, supporting or assisting with creative events
- supporting education preventing abuse in care
- raising awareness of abuse in care
- providing or assisting with support services and other resources for survivors of abuse in care, their whānau and the general public.
Its first major piece of work will be a 3-day event to be held at Te Auaha in Wellington and will include an array of visual and performing arts that captures the narratives and experiences of survivors.
Many survivors use art to tell their stories, and the exhibition will share the experiences of survivors with all New Zealanders and will help them to be both listened to and believed.
The programme will be finalised in the coming weeks but will include poetry, live musical performances, dance, documentary screenings and other art.
Shortly Te Roopū Toiora will have a new Facebook and Instagram page, and a programme with more details for the August event to follow.
Stand by for further information in the remaining Royal Commission pānui.
Pink Shirt day
This Friday the 27th is national Pink Shirt day, a great event held across the motu in an effort to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora, Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying.
So, show your support on Friday and get that pink shirt on!
Visit the Pink Shirt Day website
Nearing the end
The handover of the final report will also mark the end of the Royal Commission as it will close its doors after several years of inquiry. Please stay tuned to Pānui over the next few weeks as we will keep you updated about what happens once the Commission closes. There will be more information to come about such things as how and where survivor transcripts will be able to be accessed, what will happen to this website, and where to go to for continued support.
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.