The story so far
February, 2017: The Human Rights Commission published an open letter in the Herald, calling for a comprehensive inquiry and public apology to those who were abused.
July, 2017: Jacinda Ardern, then the shadow spokeswoman for children, wrote to Prime Minister Bill English urging him to instigate an inquiry.
August, 2017: UN recommends NZ Government hold an independent inquiry into historic state abuse.
November, 2017: The Government includes the setting up of an inquiry into the abuse of children in state care as part of its 100-day plan.
February 1, 2018: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially announces a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care.
March 30, 2018: The royal commission of inquiry invites submissions from the public on the inquiry draft terms of reference.
April 30, 2018: Submissions for the draft terms of reference close.
May 30, 2018: Royal commission chair Sir Anand Satyanand files his report with Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.
November 12, 2018: Ardern expands scope of the inquiry to include churches.