A formal reading of our apology in both English and Te Reo will take place at the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Our AGM will be held at 5:30pm, Thursday 31 October, at the St James Presbyterian, 393 King Edward St, Dunedin. All are welcome.
Read an open letter apologising for abuse in care
The Royal Commission Abuse in Care Inquiry has now published it's recommendations, following survivor accounts of neglect and abuse in the care of the State and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.
Presbyterian Support Otago welcomed this inquiry and the recommendations from the Royal Commission.
As we provide care for children and young people, we are involved in this inquiry. Over the period of the Royal Commission’s inquiry (1950-1999), we were operating orphanages and foster care services.
We were devastated to discover that during this period children and young people were mistreated or abused. It is heartbreaking that some of these cases occurred under our care.
To the victims and their families, we are so very sorry.
The abuse and mistreatment of children, young people and vulnerable adults was never ok, not at any moment throughout all time, and this is certainly not who we are today. As these historical abuses have come to light, we have worked with the victims to apologise and support them as best we could. We are 100% committed to continuing to work with the Royal Commission and the victims of abuse to find the best ways of supporting them.
If you or a member of your family has been harmed while in the care of Presbyterian Support Otago, and you wish to seek redress, please contact Interim CEO, Robbie Moginie, on 03 477 7115 or email Robbie.moginie@psotago.org.nz or complete the Contact Form below.
If you have signed a settlement relating to an abuse claim with Presbyterian Support Otago, we waive any confidentiality clause or obligation on you that might have restricted you talking to the Royal Commission.
We acknowledge the hurt and pain that has been caused in the past to some in our care. Our Christian faith and values will guide us as we walk the long road with survivors to a place of healing.
We publish below our response to all recommendations including our initial plan for implementation at Presbyterian Support Otago.
I would like someone from Presbyterian Support Otago to contact me regarding the Royal Commission Abuse in Care Inquiry.