The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry made its findings public in July 2024 when it tabled in Parliament its final report: Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light.
The Royal Commission examined what children, young people and vulnerable adults experienced in the care of state or faith-based institutions from 1950-1999, as well as abuse that occurred since 2000. During its five-year investigation, it heard from almost 3000 survivors of abuse and neglect.
This report sparked an apology process by Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation. In March 2026, NZNO apologised sincerely and unreservedly to survivors and their whānau for the involvement of nurses in abuse in state care. NZNO also apologised unreservedly for any role nurses may have had in ignoring and not standing up to abuse in state care.
That this abuse occurred and for so long is a national disgrace. It is not only an issue of historical significance, but with abuse recognised up to 2019, it is also a contemporary issue. For this reason, NZNO joins calls for the swift implementation of all Royal Commissions’ recommendations.
See the full NZNO apology video
NZNO understands an apology without action is hollow and has committed to ensuring such abuse and neglect never happens again in Aotearoa New Zealand. NZNO’s response is guided by the findings of the Abuse in Care inquiries and the Lake Alice Hospital investigation and includes a pledge to:
- Embed trauma-informed and culturally safe practice in nursing education and professional development.
- Advocate for a robust redress scheme that meets survivors’ needs and honours international standards.
- Protect whistleblowers and enforce transparency, ensuring no member can hide from accountability.
- Collaborate with the Nursing Council of New Zealand to strengthen Codes of Conduct and Ethics, making care synonymous with safety and dignity.
These actions reflect NZNO’s commitment to tika and pono – or justice and truth – and to restoring the trust that was broken.
We walk backwards into the future with our eyes fixed on the past – because only by acknowledging the truth can we create a future where care is safe, where compassion is real, and where trust can be rebuilt.
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.
Koia ka puta ki te whaiao ki te ao Mārama.
Emerging into the world of light, into understanding.