Whanganui, New Zealand — 19–25 February 2026

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights NZ is hosting a public exhibition in Whanganui from 19 to 25 February 2026, examining abuse, neglect, and torture within New Zealand’s psychiatric hospitals and mental health institutions.

The exhibition presents displays showing serious human rights violations experienced by patients, including the use of seclusion, restraint, forced treatment, electroshock experiments, lobotomy use and other practices that have caused long-term harm including the torture of children at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. It also highlights the disproportionate impact of these practices on vulnerable groups, including Māori and people with disabilities.

CCHR says the exhibition is intended to inform the public, encourage discussion, and promote accountability and reform within the mental health system.

“New Zealand has acknowledged, through multiple inquiries and reports, that serious abuse has occurred within its psychiatric institutions,” said Mike Ferriss, spokesperson for CCHR. “This exhibition gives voice to survivors and places the evidence in front of the public, so these violations are not forgotten or repeated.”

The exhibition comes amid ongoing national conversations about mental health care, patient rights and coercive involuntary treatments as well as the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. 

“Many New Zealanders remain unaware of the extent of harm that has occurred behind institutional walls, and that transparency is essential for meaningful change.

The Whanganui exhibition is open to the public and free to attend. Materials will be available, and visitors are encouraged to engage with the historical and contemporary evidence presented.

Some of the material may be disturbing, discretion is advised.

Exhibition Details:

What: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Exhibition – Abuse in New Zealand’s Psychiatric Hospitals

When: 19–25 February 2026

Where: 66 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui 

Admission: Free