Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers Public Apology Update

We are sharing with you details of the Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers public apology.

This apology is for Survivors, and we warmly welcome you, your whānau, and friends. The event has been shaped with input from Survivors to ensure it is respectful, safe, and supportive. As this space includes people with lived experience of abuse, we ask all attendees to speak with care and compassion. The wellbeing of all Survivors, their whānau and friends comes first.

The public apology is one step toward a continuous commitment to recognising abuse offering support and taking accountability.

What to Expect on the Day

The Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers will be offering a public apology on Saturday, 9 May 2026, with the event to be held at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, 10 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland, 1071.

Doors open at 11:30 am and the formal apology will begin at 12:00 finishing at 13:30. Everyone attending is invited to stay and share kai (food), connect with the resources or ask questions with the professionals available. The apology event will conclude at 15:30 pm.

Doors Open

11:30

Mihi Whakatau and Welcome

12:00

A welcome that acknowledges mana whenua and the land on which the event is held and recognises the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Voices of Survivors

Survivors and whanau will each share a part of their story, their life and their experiences

Brendan - Survivor

Leonie - Survivor

Daniel - Survivor's son

Moment of Silence and reflection

Attendees will be invited to share a moment of silence to reflect on their experiences and the survivors who have shared.

Acknowledgement and Apology

Br Darren Burge, Provincial of Star of the Sea, will share an apology on behalf of the Marist Brothers FMS for survivors of abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Moment of reflection and Honouring Survivors

Participants will be asked to draw their attention to the surrounding, the sea and the sounds of the water. Those who choose can interact with the water features to honour survivors who were not able to attend, or who are no longer with us.

Corrective Measures

Br Peter Horide, Provincial Delegate for Aotearoa New Zealand will share information about the Marist Brothers commitment to Survivors, Safeguarding Support and Redress.

Survivors Closing

Survivors will share their response and experiences

Frances - responding to apology

Gerard - final Survivor words

Poroporoaki & Closing Karakia

Concluding around 13:30

Kai & Resourcing

Kai (food) will be available on site. There will also be opportunity to discuss or gather information about support, reporting and redress.

Survivor Angela’s Artwork will be available for viewing

Available until 15:00

FAQs

Who is the Apology for?

The apology is for anybody who experienced abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand by a Marist Brother, under the care of the Marist Brothers or their institutes. This apology focuses on abuse across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Therapeutic Support

Survivors, whanau and friends, your safety, wellbeing, care and support for this event is a top priority. If at any point during the event you need support or time away, wellbeing support will be available, along with a quiet space for you to use.

Independent Counsellors will be available on site and identifiable by a purple-colored lanyard. The SPAR committee will be available on the day and will be identified by a blue colored lanyard.

Survivor Speakers

Speakers at the event were selected by the Professional Standards Manager. It was important that the care, support and the wellbeing of all attending was considered. There were a significant number of individuals who requested to speak.

Opportunities to share written testimonies remains available to ensure broader opportunity. Please contact Jonathan at pso@pacificdps.com if you would like more information.

Travel Support

North Island travelers can receive a $100 voucher as a contribution toward costs on the day.

South Island and International travelers can receive up to $500 contribution towards costs. More details can be provided by the Professional Standards Office - pso@pacificdps.com.

Live-Stream, Photography and Use of Media

We recognise that not everyone will choose or be able to attend in person. Therefore, this event will be recorded and live-streamed to watch online. Care will be taken to capture the stage and speakers only.

Details about accessing the live stream will be shared on Friday 8 May, one day before the event.

We ask that no photos or videos are taken inside of the apology space. If photos are taken outside of this space, we ask that you do not capture other attendees and do not share without consent.

Media Outlet Attendance

The event will be closed to media to prioritise the privacy and support available to Survivors. We will work alongside media beforehand to provide access to the live stream, statements, resources and venue photographs prior to the event. Questions can be directed to pso@pacificdps.com following the event.

Raising a Complaint on the Day

A ‘Raising A Complaint’ resource will be available as well as people to talk to for advice on how to share a complaint, including details and the role of the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) and the Te Houhanga Rongo - A Path to Healing process.

Redress

Simple, easy to follow ‘Road to Redress’ information will be available to help you understand your options and next step. As well as someone to talk to for advice about Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers redress and revisiting previous settlements.

The Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers redress continues to be developed and will include a holistic response considering a range of aspects to promote healing. It will also support any wider catholic church redress when available. Details and more information about Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers redress will be shared on the day with the apology.

Questions on the Day

An opportunity will be available for questions in a sperate space at the venue for survivors. For individuals requesting specific responses a one-on-one can be scheduled for a later date.

Considerations

Marist Brothers will be in attendance in casual attire.

Further Questions

If you have any further questions regarding the Aotearoa New Zealand Marist Brothers public apology, please share them with Jonathan and Carlene at PSO@pacificdps.com and we will do our best to answer them before the event.

We will provide more detailed information about the structure of the day, including timing and the format of the apology once these details have been confirmed.

Seeking Immediate Support

If reading this has been hard and you would like to talk with someone, please contact one of the support providers listed below.

Safe to talk:

Website: https://www.safetotalk.nz/

Phone 0800 044 334 or Text: 4334

Tautoko Tane:

Website: https://tautokotane.nz/

TOAH-NNEST:

Website: https://toah-nnest.org.nz/getting-help/

-Professional Standards Office