# Abuse survivors call government apology 'hollow'

> Survivors say two-year government apology for care abuse remains hollow.
- Title: Abuse survivors call government apology 'hollow' · RNZ
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: abuse survivors, government apology, care abuse, parliamentary apology, redress system, royal commission of inquiry, new zealand, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/2556940/abuse-survivors-call-government-apology-hollow-two-years-on
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-12T02:17:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abuse survivors, government apology, care abuse, parliamentary apology, redress system, royal commission of inquiry, new zealand, politics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.