Touchstone

June 2025

The Royal Commission of Inquiry was established on 1 February 2018 to investigate what happened to children, young people and adults in State care and in the care of faith-based institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 and 1999. 

In June last year the Inquiry presented its Final Report – Whanaketia – to the Governor-General and it was released publicly the following month. The report included numerous recommendations on how Aotearoa New Zealand can better care for children, young people and adults in State and faith-based care and provide redress for survivors that acknowledges the harm and pain caused.

At Conference in November proceedings paused so we could witness the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition deliver public apologies. Many people listening were visibly reduced to tears.

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon said, “Today I stand before you as the representative of not only this Government, but all of the governments that have gone before us to offer a formal and unreserved apology for the abuse you suffered while in state care, churches and other faith-based places.

It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened. For many of you it changed the course of your life, and for that, the Government must take responsibility … “

Despite that rhetoric, and a subsequent assurance that … ‘words must be accompanied by actions’, the recent announcement regarding the government response to the recommendations has fallen so far short of the mark, that it is disgrace.

In October last year politician, trade unionist and former NZ Human Rights Commissioner, Rosslyn Noonan, wrote the lead article for Touchstone, based on the release of the Abuse in Care Commission of Inquiry report and its recommendations.  Rosslyn Noonan has written an article this month that gives a voice to the ‘callous, distressing and outrageous’ decision by the coalition government not to establish an independent process for determining redress for survivors.

Rosslyn says, “It is awful and almost unbelievable. Sadly, the survivors at the Investiture were right to be unsure about trusting the Government.”

Other articles in this edition offer insight into government policies and proposals that impact communities; the lack of social housing available despite growing need, and a coming council referendum on the retainment of Māori wards.

MCNZ President Te Aroha Rountree reports on two significant recent events including the Pacific Church Leaders' Meeting in Pago Pago, American Samoa and the launch of the Pasifika Communities University (PCU) in Suva, Fiji.

And many parishes and communities share the mission and mahi they are undertaking as they carry out God’s work in a constantly changing world. Articles cover a range of topics from how to be a gender inclusive church, to children and youth visiting a waste depot for a close encounter with recycling and a reminder of the need to reduce rubbish.

I hope you will find content that informs and inspires you. As always, I welcome your feedback.