In a groundbreaking moment for New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a heartfelt apology to individuals who suffered abuse while under state care. This acknowledgment of the “unimaginable pain” experienced in child welfare homes and psychiatric facilities marks a significant step towards reckoning with a dark chapter in the nation’s history.
The recent public inquiry revealed that approximately 200,000 vulnerable New Zealanders faced abuse throughout various decades of state care, labeling these findings as an “unthinkable national catastrophe.” It highlighted harrowing accounts of children who were sexually exploited by church-affiliated caregivers, mothers coerced into relinquishing their babies for adoption, and patients pejoratively branded as “problematic” subjected to electroconvulsive therapy.
While addressing this grievous chapter, Luxon expressed regret on behalf of all past governments, which had ignored numerous reports of such dreadful abuse. “Some of you may feel my words count for little after so long and so much hurt,” he stated. “But I hope that today, with this apology and the acknowledgment of your burden, it becomes a little lighter for some of you.”
Standing before survivors, Luxon conveyed not just his current government’s sentiments, but those of all administrations that preceded him. “Today, I stand here to offer a formal and unreserved apology for the abuse suffered in state care, as well as in churches and other faith-based institutions,” he continued, truly embodying the responsibility of leadership in such troubling times.
A notable portion of this apology was directed towards the Lake Alice psychiatric hospital, infamous for its horrific past. Survivors recounted tales of clandestine sterilizations, participation in unethical medical trials, and the torment of being shocked into compliance. “To those of you who were tortured at Lake Alice—young, alone, and subjected to unimaginable pain—I am deeply sorry,” Luxon emphasized, his empathy palpable as he addressed their suffering.
The enduring effects of this trauma are evident. Many victims continue to grapple with addiction and other life challenges rooted in their past abuses. The inquiry also uncovered that a significant portion of this maltreatment had a racial component, impacting Indigenous Māori individuals disproportionately. This ugly truth underscores the complexities of the abuse that occurred, calling for a deeper examination of societal structures and institutional biases.
This inquiry was launched in 2018, culminating in 233 recommendations for systemic change, which Luxon’s administration has pledged to thoughtfully consider. Acknowledging past wrongs is a critical step, but the commitment to change resonates louder only when matched by actionable reforms. History teaches us that apologies, while necessary, require follow-up with substantive policy adaptations to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
As Luxon reflected on this pivotal day, he recognized the journey ahead. “We cannot erase the past,” he stated, underlining the ongoing responsibility of the government to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, particularly those who have already endured so much injustice.
This somber event serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy for vulnerable populations. A nation’s ability to confront its historical challenges often shapes its integrity and credibility on the global stage. By taking ownership of these painful truths, New Zealand has the opportunity to pave the way for healing and growth, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of all its citizens.
In expressing sorrow for the suffering endured, Luxon’s words seek not only to comfort but to inspire a movement toward meaningful healing. After so many years of silence, the collective voice of survivors cries out for justice, recognition, and, ultimately, a future that embraces compassion and humanity.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
