Never Again: Read the full open letter
facilities and special education homes.
The extent of physical, sexual, psychological abuse and of neglect experienced while in state care.
The impact on individuals and groups of the processes that placed people in state care, including those in foster care and other environments outside state-run facilities.
The adequacy of laws, policies and practices of the day in protecting those placed in state care from abuse and any systemic issues arising from this consideration.
Whether, at a systemic level, complaints of abuse have been sufficiently and appropriately dealt with by other official responses, investigations or criminal or civil proceedings.
b) c) d) e) Action sought
We, the undersigned, call on the Government to initiate a robust and independent inquiry into the above matters and to take other appropriate steps to ensure that the victims of abuse receive a comprehensive public apology and appropriate redress for what took place.
We seek urgent engagement with the Government to discuss the process in more detail. It is important for all New Zealanders to understand the full extent of what took place and to work together to prevent future abuse of people while in the care of the State. Action is required now.
Signed
Paul Gibson, Disability Rights Commissioner Karen Johansen, Indigenous Rights Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue, EEO Commissioner David Rutherford, Chief Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley, Human Rights Commissioner Keith Wiffin, former resident Epuni Boys Home and other homes Anne Helm, Consumer Panel Member, Confidential Forum Gary Williams, former resident of Pukeroa Laura Ferguson Trust Wellington (Ngati Porou) Naida Glavish, Iwi Leaders Forum Co-chair, Whanau Ora Partnership Group Rahui Papa, Iwi Leaders Forum Co-chair, Whanau Ora Partnership Group David King, National Chairperson, People First New Zealand Inc — Nga Tangata Tuatahi Pati Umaga, President, Disabled Persons Assembly Prue Kapua, National President, Maori Women’s Welfare League Vivien Maidaborn, Executive Director, Unicef Kim Workman, Social Justice Advocate, Kim Workman and Associates Areta Kopu, panelist on the Confidential Listening and Assistance Service, former Human Rights Commissioner Judi Clements, independent consultant, health and social care; Former chief executive, Mental Health Foundation of NZ Dr Elizabeth Stanley, Associate Professor of Criminology, Victoria University of Wellington Judith Aitken, Public Sector Consultants Ltd Professor Mark Henaghan, Dean of Law, Otago University Dr Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Director, Donald Beasley Institute Professor Judy McGregor, EEO Commissioner (2003-2012) CNZM Rosslyn Noonan, Chief Human Rights Commissioner (2001-2011) Director, NZ Centre for Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice Robyn Hunt, Disability Rights Commissioner (2002-2010) Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissioner (2002-2013) Mary O’Hagan, Mental Health Commissioner (2000-2007) Materoa Dodds, Distinguished Fellow in the Humanities, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi Ruth Jones, Ngati Porou