Historic claims processes

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, contact:

  • email claims@ot.govt.nz
  • call 0508 326 459, or
  • let your social worker know you would like to make a claim.

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:

  • a specialist school before 1989
  • a primary school prior to 1989
  • any State school that is now closed (including specialist schools and health camp schools).

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)

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