Terms of Reference set for Inquiry into Abuse in Care

The Chair of the Royal Commission Sir Anand Satyanand has welcomed the Government’s delivery of the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

“I am pleased the Government has taken on board my recommendations to extend the scope of the Inquiry, acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi, and provide flexibility around the Inquiry timelines,” says Sir Anand.

The Royal Commission received over 400 submissions during public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference, many of which advocated for expanding the scope to include non-state care.

“We have a responsibility to all survivors and unless the Inquiry also covered faith-based institutions there would have been an element of incompleteness and injustice,” says Sir Anand.

The Government has also confirmed the four Commissioners who, together with Sir Anand, will oversee this inquiry. The Commissioners are Judge Coral Shaw, Andrew Erueti, Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae and Paul Gibson.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new Commissioners. They have a diverse range of backgrounds and bring a combined set of skills and experience necessary for the work ahead of us,” says Sir Anand.

Sir Anand will now work with the Commissioners and key stakeholders to determine the processes of the inquiry and begin preparations for hearings in 2019.

When available, the Terms of Reference, along with FAQs, will be found at www.abuseinstatecare.royalcommission.govt.nz

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