Currently, survivors of historical abuse in State care can make a claim with one of four government agencies.
Ministry of Social Development
If you were in care, custody, guardianship or came to the notice of the Child Welfare Division, the Department of Social Welfare, the New Zealand Children and Young Persons Service or Child, Youth and Family before 1 April 2017, contact:
For more information, visit: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/historic-claims/index.html(external link)
Oranga Tamariki
Oranga Tamariki is responsible for resolving claims for abuse and neglect in state care relating to events from 1 April 2017. If you have a social worker please let them know you would like to make a claim or contact:
For more information visit: Claims for abuse while in care | Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children(external link)
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health administers claims relating to allegations of abuse in state-run psychiatric facilities and psychopaedic hospitals before 1 July 1993. Such abuse includes allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse or treatment used as punishment (such as ECT or solitary confinement) while in care. Contact the Ministry of Health:
For more information visit: Historic abuse claims | Ministry of Health NZ(external link)
Ministry of Education
If you were abused or neglected at one of the following run by the Department of Education:
To make a sensitive claim with the Ministry of Education or to enquire about the eligibility of your claim, contact:
For more information visit: Sensitive claims of abuse in state schools - Ministry of Education(external link)
