State care abuse apology 2024

The story so far

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a formal apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care, with government agency chiefs also taking part.^{12, 13 Nov 2024} Ceremonies were held in Parliament, Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, and some survivors travelled long distances while others watched from other locations.^{12 Nov 2024} The Parliament ceremony was interrupted when a former political candidate heckled the Prime Minister from the public gallery.^{12 Nov 2024} Some survivors described the apology as a start, but others said they needed clear timeframes for redress and meaningful action to prevent further abuse.^{13 Nov 2024} Before the event, Speaker Gerry Brownlee lifted a ban on investigative journalist Aaron Smale covering it, after an earlier ban reportedly followed ministerial complaints about his questioning of the Prime Minister.^{11 Nov 2024}

Latest

The formal Crown apology was delivered on Tuesday, and survivors' reactions were mixed, with calls for timeframes for redress.^{13 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 11 Nov 2024Speaker lifts ban on journalist covering the state care apology.
2. 12 Nov 2024Survivors set to hear apology from Prime Minister; compensation issues unresolved.
3. 12 Nov 2024Prime Minister apologises at Parliament; heckler interrupts ceremony in public gallery.
4. 13 Nov 2024Crown formal apology delivered; survivors call for redress timeframes and action.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.