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Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill

Redress system for abuse in care - Apologies

25: Effect of apology on liability

You could also call this:

"Saying sorry for abuse in care doesn't mean you're at fault"

Illustration for Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill

If someone says sorry for abuse in care, you know that sorry is not an admission of fault. When deciding if someone is at fault for abuse in care, the apology is not considered. The apology cannot be used as evidence in court to prove someone is at fault for abuse in care.

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This page was last updated on 27 October 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1530247.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Victim supportHealth and wellbeing > Public healthFamily and relationships > Children and parenting

24: Failure to disclose subsequent serious violent or sexual offence, or

"Telling them about serious crimes you committed after applying for help"

Schedule 1: Transitional, savings, and related provisions, or

"Changes to the Law When it Starts"

Part 2Redress system for abuse in care
Apologies

25Effect of apology on liability

An apology made by or on behalf of a person in connection with any abuse in care alleged to have been caused by the person is not relevant to the determination of fault or liability in connection with that abuse in care.
Evidence of an apology made by or on behalf of a person in connection with any abuse in care alleged to have been caused by the person is not admissible in any civil proceedings seeking remedies for abuse in care as evidence of the fault or liability of the person in connection with that abuse in care.