Warning: This story and video includes graphic details of sexual abuse.
The final report of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry will be revealed today.
Survivors are expected to pack Parliament's public gallery when the almost 3000-page document is tabled this afternoon.
The report's tabling brings to a close almost six years of work by the Royal Commission.
More than 2300 survivors gave evidence to the inquiry, as the commissioners examined the prolific and systemic abuse which occurred in state and faith-based institutions from 1950 to 1999.
In honour of all survivors and victims of abuse in state and faith-based institutions, RNZ presents Unsafe Harbour: Surviving St John of God.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry was established in 2018 following decades of mounting pressure from survivors and advocates.
The inquiry's chair Judge Coral Shaw described the country's long history of systemic abuse as a "national disgrace".
When handing the final report to Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, the commissioners said: "Meaningful action must start right now. For too long our nation has swept abuse and neglect in care by state and faith-based institutions under the carpet. That's not good enough. It must stop".
The Royal Commission's final report will be made public at 4pm.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to make a formal apology to survivors in November.
*Video contains a Wikimedia Commons image.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Abuse survivors
For male survivors -
Road Forward Trust, Wellington, contact Richard 0211181043
Better Blokes Auckland, 099902553
The Canterbury Men's Centre, 03 3776747
The Male Room, Nelson 035480403
Male Survivors, Waikato 07 8584112
Male Survivors, Otago 0211064598
For female survivors -
Help Wellington, 048016655
Help, Auckland 09 623 1296.
For urgent help: Safe To Talk 0800044334.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
