The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions is asking for expressions of interest from survivors who are interested in being in a Survivor Advisory Group.

A form is available on the Commission's website for expressions of interest. Applications will close on 31 March.

The inquiry was established on 12 November 2018 and will investigate the abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults who were in the care of State and/or faith-based institutions in New Zealand between 1950 and 1999.

The inquiry is chaired by Sir Anand Satyanand. The commissioners are Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae, Dr Andrew Erueti, Paul Gibson and Judge Coral Shaw.

The Survivor Advisory Group is one of the methods commissioners will use to ensure the voice of survivors is heard and recognised through the work of the Inquiry. The selection process will take into consideration the expertise and experience of applicants as well as the need to reflect the diversity of survivors and a variety of views.

The Survivor Advisory Group will provide advice directly to commissioners. The Terms of Reference for the Survivor Advisory Group will be finalised at the first meeting. The group will meet face to face, for a full day, at least four times per year.

Meetings will be held in either Auckland or Wellington. There may be additional and/or optional activities between meetings depending on the work programme of the group. Survivor Advisory Group terms of appointment will be for 18 months, after which membership will be refreshed.