New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a public apology and pledged reforms on Wednesday following a damning report revealing that around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults endured abuse in state and religious care over the past 70 years. The inquiry found that nearly one-third of those in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced various forms of abuse. This revelation could lead to substantial new compensation claims for the government, potentially costing billions of dollars.

"This is a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand’s history. As a society and state, we should have done better, and I am committed to making sure we will do so," Luxon declared at a news conference. An official apology is scheduled for November 12.

The inquiry report, conducted by the Royal Commission, involved interviews with over 2,300 abuse survivors from a nation of 5.3 million. It exposed numerous abuses in state and faith-based care systems, including rape, sterilization, and electric shocks, particularly during the 1970s. Indigenous Maori individuals and those with mental or physical disabilities were especially vulnerable.

The report also highlighted attempts by civil and faith leaders to cover up the abuse by relocating perpetrators and denying accountability, with many victims dying before justice was served. Describing the situation as a national disgrace, the report made 138 recommendations, including calls for public apologies from both the New Zealand government and religious leaders, such as the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury. These leaders had previously condemned child abuse.

The Catholic Church in New Zealand acknowledged the report and stated it was reviewing its findings to ensure appropriate actions. Similarly, the Anglican Church admitted its failures to provide a safe environment for those in its care.

The report estimated the average lifetime cost for an abuse survivor at approximately NZ$857,000 (about $511,200.50), though it did not specify the compensation amounts available. Luxon indicated that total compensation could reach billions of dollars and announced that discussions on redress with survivor groups were underway. The inquiry also recommended compensation for families impacted by survivors' intergenerational trauma and a review of past compensation cases, including those related to the Lake Alice adolescent unit.

Further recommendations included the establishment of a Care Safe Agency to oversee care practices and new legislation mandating the reporting of suspected abuse, even if confessions occur during religious services.