Marist Brothers offer public apology for abuse in NZ

The apology was delivered on May 9 at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, in Orakei, Auckland. The event was attended by the provincial of the Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province, Br Darren Burge, the provincial delegate of Aotearoa New Zealand, Br Peter Horide, as well as survivors and their supporters.

Speaking at the gathering, Br Darren said the apology had been developed in consultation with, and shaped by, survivors. It was offered with “unreserved and heartfelt” remorse for what had occurred.

He further spoke of his personal sorrow, humility and great respect in joining survivors in person and those attending the apology online across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I appreciate that I will never fully comprehend the burden you carry or the language and traditions that have guided you to this point. Above all, I come here today with sadness and remorse for the harm you experienced and to continue listening, learning and responding in the ways you need.

“To all those who have suffered as a result of child abuse within Marist Brothers institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand, with deep respect I acknowledge the immense pain, anguish, betrayal and lasting scars caused by the actions of brothers and staff members – crimes that have hurt young people, their whanau and families, and the wider community.

“I am sorry,” said Br Darren.

Br Peter described his “total humility, admiration and respect for the courage and resilience of the survivors of abuse perpetrated by our brothers”.

“Today is a day of humility, shame and recognition of dark history for the Marist Brothers in this country. We do not seek to minimise, explain away or distance ourselves from this history.

“We welcome every survivor of abuse by Marist Brothers who chooses to come forward. We recognise that for many, speaking up or stepping forward involves great vulnerability and immense courage.

“Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your courage matters. You will be listened to, honoured and met with respect, dignity and care that should always have been yours.

“Our commitment is to pursue meaningful, survivor-focused redress. We are dedicated to responding in ways that feel right and appropriate to you,” said Br Peter.

Br Darren committed the Marist Brothers to a future always informed by the experiences of what so many have suffered in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The event at Orakei included survivors and whanau sharing about their stories, lives and experiences.

One survivor of abuse who addressed the gathering told Stuff that she would explain some of the issues survivors have had, adding that it would not be “a pleasant response . . . it’s important for them to hear from a survivor perspective”.

“They need to hear constructive criticism,” Moeapulu Frances Tagaloa told Stuff.

Some survivors boycotted the apology, which Ms Tagaloa said she understood. A counter-event in Hawke’s Bay involved tying ribbons to a church fence to remember and honour survivors, Radio New Zealand reported.

FULL STORY

Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers Public Apology (Marist Brothers NZ)

Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers Public Apology Update (Marist Brothers NZ)

Survivors boycotting Marist Brothers apology (Radio New Zealand)