Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers Public Apology

“I apologise for these crimes and abuse. I offer our unreserved and heartfelt apology for all that has transpired. It is a source of profound shame that child abuse of any type occurred under our care”

Provincial of Star of the Sea Province, Br Darren Burge fms

The Marist Brothers in Aotearoa New Zealand today offered a formal apology to survivors of abuse, acknowledging the profound harm caused under their care and the lasting pain carried by those affected, their whānau, and communities.

The event was attended by the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, Br Darren Burge fms, the Provincial Delegate of Aotearoa New Zealand, Br Peter Horide fms, and survivors.

Speaking at the gathering, Br Darren said the apology had been developed in consultation with, and shaped by, survivors, and 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 Horide, 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.

“This apology and gathering is an enduring reminder that invites us to never forget; that warns us against ever becoming complacent; that declares unequivocally that we must always act in the best interests of children and young people; that challenges us to never lose from our collective memories the experiences of what so many have suffered”, said Br Darren.

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Angela Dickson is a survivor of abuse and an artist who captures her emotional and healing journey through a powerful series of photographs and paintings. Her connection with the Professional Standards Office began in 2023, when she bravely came forward to share her experiences.

Angela’s artworks were displayed during the Marist Brothers’ apology event, helping to create a reflective and survivor-centred space. Through her art, she offers a deeply personal expression of pain, resilience, healing, and hope, allowing survivors’ voices and experiences to be acknowledged in a meaningful and visual way.

"My hope in sharing this work is that it offers a sense of recognition and possibility for others. For those who have lives with trauma, healing can be a long and deeply personal journey. My own experience has shown me that it is possible, over time, to find way of living that are not completely defined by what happened in the past. Art became a way for me to find my way home to myself. It is my hope that, in some small way, these paintings might offer support, understanding, or companionship t others on their own path.

This work I shared with deep respect for all survivors and the courage it takes to walk a path of healing."

-Angela Dickson

Intuitive Artist