Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/32168-urgent-follow-up-unanswered-questions-regarding-nz-government-apology-to-abuse-survivors-of-the-royal-new-zealand-foundation-of-the-blind on September 24, 2025 05:29

Urgent Follow-Up: Unanswered Questions Regarding NZ Government Apology to Abuse Survivors of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind

Ross Stewart made this Official Information request to Erica Stanford

Currently waiting for a response from Erica Stanford, they must respond promptly and normally no later than (details and exceptions).

From: Ross Stewart

Hon Erica Stanford, Lead Coordination Minister
Subject:
Urgent Follow-Up: Unanswered Questions Regarding NZ Government Apology to Abuse Survivors of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Dear Minister Stanford,
I am writing to follow up on my correspondence dated 09 August 2025 to the Prime Minister concerning the New Zealand Government’s formal apology to survivors of abuse in care, specifically those affected by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. Despite nearly four weeks having passed, I have yet to receive a response addressing the questions I raised.
While I acknowledge the significance of the apology delivered on 12 November 2024, I remain deeply concerned that the specific experiences and needs of blind and visually impaired survivors have not been adequately acknowledged or addressed. My inquiry has been passed between multiple ministers without resolution, which I find both disheartening and unacceptable.
I respectfully request:
A direct response to the questions I raised regarding the treatment of blind and visually impaired survivors within the scope of the Royal Commission’s findings.
Clarification on which minister, or department is currently responsible for this matter.
A timeframe within which I can expect a substantive reply.
This issue is of profound importance to those affected and to the integrity of the government’s commitment to justice and healing. I trust your office will treat it with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Stewart
[email address]
Subject : Original Correspondence] Urgent Follow-Up: Unanswered Questions Regarding NZ Government Apology to Abuse Survivors of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind

Yours faithfully,

Ross Stewart

Link to this

From: Erica Stanford (MIN)
Erica Stanford

Thank you for contacting the Office of Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of
Education, Minister of Immigration, Lead Coordination Minister for the
Government's Response to the Royal Commission's Report into Historical
Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, and
Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays.

We appreciate you reaching out – the Minister considers all correspondence
to be important, and all messages are carefully read and considered.
Please do note it is not always possible to provide a personal response to
every email received. Personal views, feedback and suggestions are
gratefully received and will be passed on to the Minister and/or relevant
Agencies.
NCEA Proposal
The Minister welcomes your feedback on the Government’s proposal to
replace NCEA with new national qualifications that are laser focused on
raising student achievement and providing clear pathways for future study,
training or employment. Consultation is open until 15 September. You can
find the full proposal and instructions on how to provide feedback here:
[1]https://www.education.govt.nz/have-your-...
Please note the following to help us direct your correspondence:

* If you are seeking ministerial intervention for an immigration case,
please contact Associate Minister of Immigration, Hon Chris Penk, at
[email address] Minister Stanford is unable to comment on
individual cases.
* Emails relating to education matters that are operational in
nature will be transferred to the Ministry of Education (or other
agency).  Minister Stanford is unable to comment on individual cases.
You can contact the Ministry directly at:
[email address]
* For assistance related to historical abuse in state care, please
contact the Survivor Experiences Team at
[email address].
* If you have invited Minister Stanford to an event, or requested a
meeting, a member of staff may contact you for more information.
* Official Information or Privacy Act requests will be managed under the
relevant Acts, which may include transfer to another Agency.
* If you are a journalist, your request will be referred to the Press
Secretary.
* If you are a constituent of East Coast Bays, your email will be shared
with the Electorate Office.

Thank you again for writing to Minister Stanford.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Erica Stanford
Reception: +64 4 817 6805 | Ministerial Email:
[2][Erica Stanford request email] |
Web: beehive.govt.nz  | Post: Freepost Parliament, Private Bag 18 041,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand

References

Visible links
1. https://www.education.govt.nz/have-your-...
2. mailto:[Erica Stanford request email]

Link to this

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Erica Stanford only: