Update on public events to mark the National Day of Reflection November 2025
When the Prime Minister apologised for abuse and neglect in the state care system on 12 November 2024, he announced 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 agreed a National Day of Reflection would be community and survivor led and supported by Government.
A $1 million National Day of Reflection Community Fund was announced on 28 July 2025 to fund community organised and survivor focused activities to mark the day.
As of 9 October 2025, 60 events have received funding. Although 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 Nov, 4pm |
Survivor Reflection Performance offering a space for acknowledgment, reflection, and kōrero |
Kaipara Centre for the Arts Charitable Trust |
|
Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland CBD |
12 Nov, 9:30am-6pm |
Displays outlining survivor mistreatment in NZ’s psychiatric institutions |
Citizens Commission on Human Rights Incorporated |
|
The Charlotte Te Whare Takatāpui-Wāhine o Aotearoa Museum, Auckland |
16 Nov 11am - 3pm |
Activity to celebrate the courage and strength of lesbian/sapphic women who are survivors of abuse: Day of Care and Connection | The Charlotte Museum(external link) |
The Charlotte Museum Te Whare Takatāpui-Wāhine o Aotearoa |
|
Validation Park, Middleton, Christchurch |
12 Nov 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, Canterbury |
12 Nov 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 Nov 11am |
National gathering for survivors, whānau, and supporters to 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 |
|
Levin Adventure Park, Levin |
12 Nov 11am-2pm |
Honour and acknowledge survivors of abuse in care and the whānau of those who have passed, providing a safe, inclusive, and culturally respectful environment for reflection, remembrance, and connection |
MASH Trust |
|
Frank Bar & Eatery and Embassy 3, Whanganui |
12 Nov 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 |