Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The coalition is establishing a $2 million dollar fund to honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves.
The dual purpose fund is part of the government's ongoing response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
Local authorities will be able to apply for up to $50,000 dollar lump sums to memorialise those buried in unmarked graves associated with psychiatric and psychopaedic sites
"Authorities with sites in those areas can apply for funding to memorialise those who are buried, in ways their communities deem appropriate," Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford said.
The inquiry identified at least 4000 unmarked graves in Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, Rangitīkei, Horowhenua, Porirua, Otago, Westland and Canterbury.
The $2 million dollars will also pay for community initiatives to deliver support and services to survivors of abuse in care.
"This includes educational workshops, initiatives to promote awareness and prevention of abuse in care, navigation support, and individual and collective advocacy for survivors," Stanford said.
The fund will be administered by Community Operations Hāpai Hapori in partnership with the Crown Response Office (CRO).
"We respect and recognise the significance of these sites, and the work that has gone on locally to ensure they can endure.
"It's important survivors are enabled to identify the supports and solutions that are meaningful to them," Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston said.
The fund responds to recommendations 5, 19, and 20 of Whanaketia.
Applications can be submitted at www.communitymatters.govt.nz.
