When the Prime Minister apologised for abuse in the state care system on 12 November 2024, he announced that a “National Remembrance Day” would be held a year later, on 12 November 2025.
The purpose of this day would be to “call the country to reflect on abuse in care, survivors of abuse, and those who have passed away”.
Ministers have agreed there will be a National Day of Reflection that will be community/survivor led and supported by Government.
A $1 million National Day of Reflection Community Fund was announced on 28 July 2025 to provide funds for community activities to mark the day.
As of 9 October 2025, 60 events have received funding. Many are private events for specific survivor groups. The following events are open to the public.
Location |
Date |
Time |
Event details |
Organisation |
| Paparua sports community centre, Northland | 8 November | 4pm | Survivor Reflection Performance offering a space for acknowledgment, reflection, and kōrero | Kaipara Centre for the Arts Charitable Trust |
| Aotea Square, Auckland CBD | 12 November | 9:30am-6pm | Displays outlining survivor mistreatment in NZ’s psychiatric institutions | Citizens Commission on Human Rights Incorporated |
| Soho Luxury Hotel, Auckland | 9 November | 10am-4pm | Event for the survivors of St. Peter's School, Cambridge | Karanto Management Services Ltd |
| Validation Park, Middleton, Christchurch | 12 November | 12-3pm | Event for survivors, whānau and services to reflect and recognise the survivors and to raise awareness of abuse and neglect in care | Tāne Whai Ora: Canterbury Men's Centre |
| Tuahiwi Marae, Kaiapoi, Cantebury | 12 November | 10am-4pm | Whānau day for families who have experience of or have been impacted by abuse in care, and for people working alongside impacted people to share the day and connect with others. The event will be tamariki friendly, and services will be invited have stalls to promote their mahi and how people can work with them | Road II Redemption Trust |
| Frank Kitt’s Park, Wellington Waterfront, Wellington | 12 November | TBC | National gathering where survivors, whānau, and supporters can stand together. There will be a moment of silence; cultural and remembrance ceremonies; remembrance displays, art installations; games and wellness activities; national livestream; information and support hubs | Ti Hei Mauri Tu Incorporated |
| Shared dinner at Frank Bar & Eatery at 6pm Private screening of Whale Rider at Embassy 3 at 7:45pm, Whanganui | 12 November | 6pm - late | Dinner and a New Zealand awareness-themed movie to honour, acknowledge, and support survivors of abuse in care and their whānau and supporters Shared dinner at Frank Bar & Eatery at 6pm Followed by private screening of Whale Rider at Embassy 3 at 7:45pm | Community House (Whanganui) Association Incorporated |
