Between 1854 and 1873, Karori Lunatic Asylum in Wellington, New Zealand held and cared for patients with mental disorders.

Staff behaved in a humane and orderly way towards patients, and gave them a routine of chores and leisure activities.

[4] The superintendent of Dunedin asylum, James Hume, outlined moral management with "Patience, gentle treatment, nourishing diet, cleanliness with light employment or exercise goes far to recover the lunatic and in chronic [or incurable] cases serves to make them comfortable... Good example in the attendants is the greatest guide, and gives confidence to the patients.

"[4] Asylum staff also aspired to non-restraint: a troubled patient would be confined in a padded cell instead of being physically restrained.

[13] In 1857, the first medical officer was appointed: a doctor who visited the asylum at least once a week to tend the physical health of the patients.

The number of staff had grown to three: the keeper (or master) and matron, Mr and Mrs William Sutherland, and an assistant (or attendant).

Their report recommended improving asylums in general, but singled out Karori for "... immediate attention and reform.

Buchanan found Karori asylum overcrowded with 23 patients; the number of staff had also grown to five.

Buchanan recommended replacing Karori with a larger and better equipped asylum in Wellington city, which would make inspections easier.

[18] The provincial council agreed, and started work on a site off Adelaide Road overlooking the city and harbour.

[21] After hearing contradictory testimony,[22][23] the inquiry concluded "... patients have been treated with unnecessary violence ..." They also expressed surprise that France had not noticed the abuse.

[25] Karori asylum returned to moral management under the new keeper and matron, Mr and Mrs Henry Seager.

Henry had worked at Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum in Christchurch, which was led by his brother Edward Seager.