The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care says it welcomes submissions from the public on the draft Terms of Reference.

Commission Chair Sir Anand Satyanand says the legacy of people taken into state care who suffered neglect and abuse is a stain on our country’s history.

“A majority of people who have been in state care are Māori and Pasifika. While some people benefited, many did not and suffered abuse and neglect. The Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called for this matter to be the subject of an independent inquiry.  The Government has accepted the task,” he says.

“I have already spoken with a number of individuals and organisations with a history of involvement in state care. Now I would like to hear the views of the New Zealand community on the draft Terms of Reference.”

Sir Anand says he will then present the Minister of Internal Affairs with a report on the results of the consultation along with any advice that he may have on the matters discussed. It will be for Cabinet to agree the terms of reference, which will be formally notified by the Minister. 

“Once the Terms of Reference are gazetted, the Royal Commission can begin the process of hearing evidence, addressing the needs and concerns of survivors and investigating ways to prevent further abuse," he says.

Submissions close on Monday, 30 April 2018. Submitters should state if they want their submissions to be confidential.

Submissions on the draft Terms of Reference can be made by email to abuseinstatecare@royalcommission.govt.nz. Further information is available here.