The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress for survivors of torture at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit.
Erica Stanford, the Minister in charge Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care, confirmed details of the process to media this afternoon.
Survivors of abuse could opt for a one-off payment of $150,000 “which recognises an individual’s experience of torture as a child”, or chose an individualised payment process where each claim is assessed by an independent arbiter who will make determinations on payment amounts.
As well as the payment, survivors would be given a new written apology which explicitly acknowledges torture, and facilitating access to support and rehabilitative services.
She said the “world-first” announcement came five years after the United Nations Committee against Torture first found New Zealand in breach of its obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
“While it is not possible to right or compensate for the wrongs of the past, Cabinet has agreed to recognition to those remaining survivors for the torture they suffered in the care of the State. It also serves as an expression of our regret as to the many ways in which they were failed,” she said.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that any of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and 1978 “did not have any form of mental illness, yet they were subjected to unmodified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or paraldehyde injections”.
“These weren’t administered for any medical reason, instead were used for punishment and emotional control through terror.”
Stanford said $22.68 million had set aside, including operating costs, for the process which would be administered through the Crown Response Office.
Stanford said survivors would have until April 30 to choose the individual payment process and until September 30 for the expedited pathway. Payments in both processes will be complete by the end of 2025 and be made on an ex-gratia basis.
The support component will be provided through existing support services and will include financial advice for any survivor that requests it. The Crown Response Office will help survivors navigate various services they are entitled to based on individual need.
Officials have also been directed to report back by March 2025 on any gaps in the current services.
“I would like to thank all of the people who have fought for decades for the truth of what happened at the Lake Alice Unit to be acknowledged and recognised. Survivors, their families, supporters, and advocates, and the commissioners and staff of the Royal Commission of Inquiry have all played a critical role in fighting for justice.”
