95bFM ‘Money is not enough’ — $774 million allocated to redress for victims in state care in Budget 2025
10 June, 2025
Interview by Faith Ward, adapted by Alyssa Ramos.
The University of Auckland’s Jodi Gardner says that despite the $774 million allocated to redress victims in state care in Budget 2025 being a positive, more can be done to support victims. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Budget 2025 has allocated $774 million to support victims in state care, aiming to improve the current redress system.
This follows The Royal Commission’s six-year investigation into historical abuse in state care, which uncovered widespread systemic failures. It was found that between 1950 and 2019, 200,000 of the 655,000 New Zealanders in state or faith-based care were abused.
The $774 million will focus on strengthening the redress response to survivors of abuse; particularly around child sexual abuse, and aims to ensure survivors receive greater support and recognition with an improved system that makes it easier for victims to navigate the claims process.
Despite allocating millions to improve the current system, concerns have been raised about how much of this money will go to survivors themselves, and whether this is an adequate response to address survivors.
The allocation also conflicts with a key recommendation from The Royal Commission and Redress Design Group — which is to set up a completely new and autonomous entity.
Associate Dean of Law and a member of legal experts working on a framework addressing institutional child sexual abuse, Jodi Gardner, told 95bFM’s The Wire that despite the funding being a positive, funding must be approached holistically and grounded in evidence-based mechanisms.
From researching evidence-based approaches to obtaining redress for institutional abuse, Gardner emphasises the role of apologies and recognition.
“There are a number of survivors that want to hear from the institution and the government that their harms and experiences have been recognised and acknowledged and someone has taken responsibility for it.”
“... an apology for the sake of an apology is incredibly tokenistic."
She adds it is important to address the intersectional disadvantages experienced by Māori, Pacific, disabled, and lower-income communities; groups more likely to have suffered institutional abuse.
“Anything that [can be done] to improve access to justice and improve [the] redress system that puts money into the pockets of the people who have been victims, but also acknowledges the harm that has been caused, and recognises how we can address issues of mana and [the] long-term hurt will also improve the situation,” she says.
While the Budget marks a significant investment, Gardner says that after years of significant failings across the board, money alone cannot undo the damage.
“... we need to think about this much more holistically and learn from examples of organisations around the world.”
If you need support, talking to someone you know or contacting formal support services can be helpful.
Need to Talk?: Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Safe to Talk: a 24/7, confidential service. Call 0800 044 334, text 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, or visit safetotalk.nz for more info or to web chat.
HELP Auckland: 0800 623 1700 or email info@helpauckland.org.nz. Professional and specialised support services for sexual abuse and assault survivors.
Shine domestic violence helpline: 0508 744 633.
Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE). For women and children experiencing family violence.
Healthline: 0800 611 116.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or text HELP to 4357.
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am).
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm).
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm) or text 832 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm). Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
