Survivors are at the heart of this Royal Commission. It has been a privilege for us to hear these experiences and learn from survivors – many who were previously not heard or simply not believed.  

We have heard from survivors from all over the country, from a wide range of communities, ethnicities and backgrounds.  

We acknowledge the courage of survivors and their whānau. We are thankful to you all.  

We have received more than 3,500 registrations from survivors, and many have come forward to share their experiences. The experiences you’ve shared are helping us to write our final report and recommendations.  

Commissioner Paul Gibson says: “Survivors must know that we as a nation are learning from the lessons of the past and that systemic abuse must never be allowed to happen again.”  

Our four-and-a half year inquiry is coming to an end in late June 2023 and we want to let you know what this means for you.  

Registrations are closing 

As we near the end of the inquiry, we must set a date to close registrations.  

Tuesday 28 February 2023 is the last day survivors can register with us, to have their experiences heard by the Royal Commission.  

We encourage survivors who have not yet registered, but feel ready to speak to us, to please register now. Our contact details are below.  

We will make every effort to provide ways to hear these survivor experiences by the end of April.  

While we can no longer accept new registrations from 1 March, we will continue to provide support and services to survivors until 30 June:   

                - contact centre support  

                - wellbeing support  

                - survivors can call on the toll-free phone 0800 222 727  

                - text 8185  

                - email contact@abuseincare.org.nz  

We will continue to stay in touch through our pānui/newsletters.  

Meanwhile, over the next five months, the Royal Commission will be focused on preparing the St John of God/Marylands School case study report, and the findings and recommendations for its final report to the Governor General by 30 June 2023. 

We are here to support you 

We know that news the Royal Commission is now in its final six months may be distressing for some.  

Remember, we are here to support you if you need it. For wellbeing support, please get in touch with us through our contact centre at 0800 222 727 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) or reach out to the services listed below. 

• 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.
• 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, 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 
  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 This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims. 
• Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat