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Disability Support Provider ConneXu Acknowledges The National Day Of Reflection On Abuse In Care
Wednesday 12 November 2026 marks the National Day of Reflection on Abuse in Care, exactly one-year on from the New Zealand Government’s public apology to survivors of abuse and neglect in care. Central North Island disability support provider ConneXu has paused to acknowledge and honour those who have experienced harm while in care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We recognise the deep and lasting impact of abuse and neglect, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every person we support is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion,” says Fern Ryan, ConneXu Chief Executive
“This day reminds us that reflection must be paired with action. We carry a shared responsibility to create care environments where people feel safe, valued and truly heard,” she says.
“ConneXu has been taking deliberate steps to strengthen the quality of our support and reduce the risk of harm. These include:
- Strengthening quality and safeguards, partnering with Ngā Paerewa, conducting regular quality audits and expanding their complaints and feedback system
- Partnering with Disabled People and Families through advisory groups to help shape policy, training and decision-making
- Investing in People and Leadership with team skills and experience gap analysis and a leadership development programme
- A Commitment to Trust and Growth through continuous reflection, open dialogue and a shared commitment to doing better
“As we reflect today, we hold in our hearts the voices of those who were not kept safe,” says Fern.
“Their experiences compel us to do better and to ensure that care is always a place of healing and empowerment.”
About ConneXu
ConneXu is a disability support provider with bases in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupo. Founded in 1989, they believe in empowering growth and building trust. ConneXu partners with disabled people, to enable them to have choice and control of their lives, with the support of their whanau and ConneXu’s team. That’s why the principles of Enabling Good Lives are firmly integrated into who ConneXu is as an organisation and everything they do. www.connexu.nz
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