“This timeframe extension reflects the huge amount of evidence received and the need for every voice to be included,” Edmonds said.
This is the inquiry’s second extension - it was given an extra five months to complete its work in 2021.
The royal commission had asked ministers for two more years, but the Government rejected that request, opting to narrow its terms of reference and give the shorter extension instead.
The minister responsible for the inquiry at the time, Jan Tinetti, said the five-month extension would be its last.
The public apology to abuse survivors would be delayed until after the inquiry’s final report was delivered, Edmonds said.
Work to establish a new redress system for survivors would not be affected by the deadline extension, she said.
Yesterday the Government appointed Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll and Ruth Jones QSM as the co-chairs tasked with designing the new scheme.
A separate, formal process is under way to appoint the remaining members of the design and advisory groups.