From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m
Abuse survivors call government apology 'hollow'
Survivors say two-year government apology for care abuse remains hollow.
In brief
Survivors say two-year government apology for care abuse remains hollow. Abuse survivors say the government's apology for state and faith-based care abuse two years ago has been hollow and failed to deliver meaningful redress. Originally reported by RNZ.
Two-year anniversary of apology
Survivors mark two years since the Crown's apology for abuse in state and faith-based care.
Ken Clearwater's call for redress
Survivor Ken Clearwater demands an independent redress system and says the apology has been hollow.
“Survivors stand here today, because the apology has fallen short.”
Erica Stanford's response
Minister Erica Stanford acknowledges the apology cannot undo harm but pledges ongoing learning and change.
“For many, that harm continues to affect their lives every day.”
Political unity debate
National MP James Meager claims unity in support for survivors, but Christopher Longhurst says parties are diametrically opposed.
“To be united in what you say and not united in what you do is not helpful.”
Commissioner Paul Gibson's warning
Commissioner Paul Gibson states abuse in New Zealand is worse than in other countries with similar inquiries.
“I thought, before I came to the inquiry, I knew what had happened. Everywhere we looked, things were worse than what we could have imagined.”
Survivor Keith Wiffin's frustration
Survivor Keith Wiffin says government promises have been broken and taxpayer investment dishonoured.
“The sentiments expressed in the apologies have been hollow. They've meant not a lot, and promises have been broken yet again.”
In short
Abuse survivors say the government's apology for state and faith-based care abuse two years ago has been hollow and failed to deliver meaningful redress.
