The Government has agreed to a request from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care for more time to deliver its final report.
Internal Affairs Minister, Barbara Edmonds said that in the past year, the Commission had received a large amount of evidence that requires detailed analysis, including over 400,000 evidential documents.
“There have also been recent survivor-driven engagements, including with gang members, and legal requirements need to be met to complete complex natural justice processes,” Minister Edmonds said.
The report back for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care will therefore be extended to 28 March 2024, Ms Edmonds announced today.
“The work of the Royal Commission is immensely important and the Government wants to ensure it delivers a final report that best honours the needs and testimony of survivors,” she said.
“When the Commission was announced in 2018, we made a commitment that every survivor who wanted to be heard would have to opportunity to do so. This timeframe extension reflects the huge amount of evidence received and the need for every voice to be included.”
The Minister also acknowledged that today’s announcement may be distressing for some survivors “given the many years that they fought for this Commission”.
“Many have been waiting a long time for their stories to be heard, and for the Commission’s full report and recommendations to be delivered,” she said.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring the delivery of a high-quality final report and recommendations that meet the expectations of survivors of abuse in care.
“Support will be ongoing for survivors during this period and Commission will work closely with those who need it, including families, whānau and wider communities.
“Work on the new independent redress system design, led by the Minister for the Public Service, will not be affected by this extension and is continuing at pace,” Minister Edmonds said.
