A Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state care has been announced by the Government.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday morning it's a chance to make sure the same mistakes are not repeated.
"It is a significant step towards acknowledging and learning from the experiences of those who have been abused in state care," Ms Ardern said.
"Today we are sending the strongest possible signal about how seriously we see this issue by setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry."
Former Governor-General Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand will chair the Royal Commission. He has a long career as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman.
"Sir Anand has the mana, skills and experience necessary to lead this work. The process will be responsive to the needs of victims and survivors and support them to tell their stories," Ms Ardern said.
The inquiry will look into instances of abuse between 1950 to the end of 1999.
"The Royal Commission will take a broad view of abuse and consider physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect," Minister for Children Tracey Martin said.
Sir Anand's first job will be to consult on the draft terms of reference for the Royal Commission.
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