Making historic abuse claims
How to make a claim
To begin the claims process, you can either contact a lawyer or contact the relevant Ministry directly.
Using a lawyer
You do not need a lawyer to go through the historic claims process. However, a lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and let you know if there are any other options you might have, and whether you are receiving the best offer you are likely to receive.
If you decide to instruct a lawyer, you may be entitled to Legal Aid. Your lawyer will let you know if you are entitled to receive Legal Aid and guide you through the process. For more information, see the chapter “Legal Aid and other legal help” .
Making a claim directly, without a lawyer
If you decide not to use a lawyer, you can make a claim directly to the Ministry of Social Development by either:
- writing to the Ministry of Social Development, Historic Claims, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140
- calling 0800 631 127 and asking to speak with a social work advisor in the Historic Claims team
- emailing historicclaims@msd.govt.nz
You can find out more about making a claim on the Ministry of Social Development website at www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/historic-claims/index.html
You can make a claim directly to the Ministry of Education by either:
- writing to the Ministry of Education, Historic Claims, Sector Enablement and Support, PO Box 1666, Wellington 6104
- calling 0800 622 222 and select option 4
- emailing sensitive.claims@education.govt.nz
You can find out more about making a claim on the Ministry of Education website at education.govt.nz/our-work/contact-us/regional-ministry-contacts/learning-support-services/historic-claims-for-abuse-or-neglect-at-a-residential-special-school
