Royal Commission on Abuse in Care

From Bishop Justin Duckworth:

“As you may be aware the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care has commenced its work.

I wanted to communicate with you about this important work firstly to ensure we are doing all we can to enable people to connect with the Commission if they have a story they want share about their experiences. Secondly I wanted to be clear about our welcome and support of the work of the Commission.

This Royal Commission is looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care between 1950 and 1999.

The focus of the Commission is on “Abuse in Care” with reference to (1) state-run institutions, (2) faith-based institutions. The extent of (2) includes our care of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our churches, schools, orphanages, elder care homes, and other ministries governed and managed by Anglican entities.

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, including the Diocese of Wellington, welcomes the scrutiny and independence that this enquiry will bring. As a church we actively sought to be included within the scope of the Commission’s enquiry. We are fully committed to engagement with the Commission and its work, and will do all in our power to assist the Commission fulfilling its purposes. 

Ultimately, we hope to contribute to a process of accountability, closure, and healing that embraces the core Gospel message that “the truth shall set you free.”

Accordingly, the Diocese of Wellington encourages submissions to be made to the Commission by survivors of abuse.

These are contact details for communicating with the Commission: 

Phone: 0800 222 727 (10am – 4pm NZT, Mon-Fri)
(Australia – 1800 875 745)
Email: contact@abuseincare.org.nz
Mail: Royal Commission of Inquiry
PO Box 10071
The Terrace
Wellington 6143 

Bishop Justin Duckworth,
Anglican Diocese of Wellington.