Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care

There is currently a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions (Royal Commission) taking place.

As part of its work, the Royal Commission is inquiring into historic abuse that has occurred within faith-based entities during the period 1950-1999. The Royal Commission was set up by the government and is completely independent from the government and from faith based entities.

We acknowledge the hurt and pain that has been caused in the past to those affected while in our care. We are devastated that this has happened to some people in our care and are so very sorry. The abuse and mistreatment of children, young people and vulnerable adults was never ok, and is certainly not who we are today. Our values will guide us as we walk the long road with survivors to a place of healing. We will be open and transparent. We will show compassion and humility.

As these historic abuses came to light, we have worked with the survivors who came forward to apologise and support them as best we could.

Presbyterian Support Central has welcomed the Royal Commission and wishes to assist with its transformative goals. In April 2018, Presbyterian Support Central wrote to the Commission welcoming the Inquiry and offering full cooperation.

We are committed to work with the Royal Commission and will take their recommendations on board. In the meantime, as an organisation, we have taken a good hard look at our internal processes and procedures to ensure we always operate to best practice standards.

If you or a member of your family has been harmed while in the care of Presbyterian Support Central, there are a number of ways your complaint can be heard:

 

• If you have concerns or experiences that you want to share directly with Presbyterian Support Central or wish to seek redress, please contact Patrick Waite in the first instance at , or by phone on 04 439 4980.
• If you wish to engage with the Royal Commission (either at the same time or separately to bringing your concerns to us directly) there is information on the Royal Commission’s website at www.abuseincare.org.nz.
• If you have signed a settlement relating to an abuse claim with Presbyterian Support Central, we waive any confidentiality clause or obligation on you that might have stopped you talking to the Royal Commission.
• Presbyterian Support Central also encourages any survivor of abuse to approach the New Zealand Police. We will cooperate with the Police in any criminal investigation or prosecution.