The Inquiry into Abuse in Care says abuse in state care of disabled, deaf and people who suffered mental distress was overt and systemic.
The Royal Commission opens a public hearing on Monday in Auckland focusing on state institutions which provided care for these people between 1950 and 1999.
The hearing will examine the use of control and restraint in disability and mental health care and impacts of long-term institutionalisation on survivors.
Lead Counsel assisting the Commission, Ruth Thomas told RNZ reporter Andrew McRae the length of time some people spent in state care is a unique part of the evidence being presented.
