Election outcome doesn’t affect work of Royal Commission

Voting in the general election has now finished. The Royal Commission is an independent Inquiry so, regardless of the coalition Government outcome, our work and focus continues.

Te Tai Tokerau Haerenga / Outreach 

Photos from the recent haerenga

The Royal Commission revisited Te TaiTokerau - Kaitaia and Kaikohe in early October and Te Tairāwhiti - Tūranga and Ruatōria later in the month to report back on what it heard from survivors and communities last year, and to test our thinking and assumptions with these communities. 

This followed our visit to Ōtepoti Dunedin in September. This is in addition to the survivor advisory and expert reference groups.  

The Royal Commission wants to make sure it presents practical and workable solutions for change in its final report, so we need to test our thinking and assumptions with communities.   

In these regions, we have been meeting with iwi and hapū leaders, NGOs, kaimahi within communities, whānau and survivors, mainly who had attended our previous haerenga. We want to share our progress, ensure we are on the right track and understand what is changing. 

Consultation on Disposal Authority Amendment

We would like to update you on how the Abuse in Care Royal Commission intends to deal with certain sensitive records involving survivors who don’t want their information kept.  

Our goal is always to respect the wishes and wellbeing of survivors. Some who shared their experiences with us have understandably asked to have their information deleted. 

A change to Disposal Authority 531, which applies to all Royal Commissions, would allow for certain information to be destroyed rather than transferred to Archives New Zealand.  

This would only happen if it’s very sensitive personal information and the request to destroy it is from the survivor who provided it.   

At the end of a Royal Commission’s work, all its records are transferred to Archives New Zealand. But that would clearly be against the wishes of these survivors, so we’ve been working with Archives New Zealand and Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs on a better approach, which is to amend the Disposal Authority. 

There is no intent to hide evidence or protect abusers. The vast majority of Royal Commission records will still be transferred to Archives New Zealand, while respecting the wishes of those survivors who’ve asked us not to do this in the case of their own sensitive information that they’ve shared.   

You can see the proposed amendment at the Archives NZ site, and comment if you would like.  

You can also call our Contact Centre on 0800 222 727 to talk with us about this, or ask to have your records deleted rather than transferred to Archives New Zealand if you are a survivor who gave evidence to the Royal Commission. 

Jehovah’s Witness court hearing finished, claim dismissed  

As mentioned in our last pānui, the Jehovah’s Witness church filed an application for a judicial review to have the church excluded from the Royal Commission Inquiry.  

The hearing began Monday 9 October at the High Court in Wellington and lasted for three days. 

The gallery of the courtroom was full, including a number of Jehovah’s Witness survivors who have come forward to the Inquiry. We ensured daily updates and support for all survivors whose evidence was included. 

The High Court announced on Wednesday that the judicial review claim has been dismissed.  

This means the Royal Commission can continue to investigate the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and all other faiths, in accordance with the pastoral care approach we have been applying since 2019. 

Reasons for the High Court’s judgment are not yet available but are expected in the near future. Until we receive the full judgment we are not able to make any further comment. 

Remember that we are here to support you. Please get in touch with our Contact and Support Centre on 0800 222 727 or email contact@abuseincare.org.nz if you would like to discuss any questions or wellbeing support options. 

How to get in touch with the Royal Commission

Call us in New Zealand on 0800 222 727 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, or text 8185.

Call us from Australia on free phone 1800 875 745.

Email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz.

Write to us at PO Box 10071, Wellington 6140.

Visit our website www.abuseincare.org.nz.

Help and support services 

Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm)   

Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)   

Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)   

Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area   

HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.

Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)   

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor   

OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)   

Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)   

Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.   

Samaritans 0800 726 666   

Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals

Skylight 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays   

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)   

Supporting Families in Mental Illness for families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825.    

Victim Support 0800 842 846 This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims   

Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.

Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234