Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care

The Church takes all complaints of abuse seriously. Complaints of sexual abuse against church personnel in New Zealand are referred to the Church's National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS).

Increased public discussion can be the catalyst for people to come forward. We encourage anyone who has been abused by a priest or religious to contact NOPS, for your story to be heard and your complaint to be investigated. Alternately you may choose to go directly to the Police, and the Church will support anyone who requires assistance to do this.

Visit the NOPS website

The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries, and services. The safety and wellbeing of children and adults-at-risk is our highest priority.

The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch is committed to fostering a Safeguarding culture where people are empowered to identify and raise concerns and ensure that all people are safe and free from harm. We respect the human dignity of each person, and our Safeguarding principles, processes and practices are the basis of ensuring that all people can grow and develop in their faith freely and in a caring and supportive environment.

A dedicated Safeguarding website provides information and resources on Safeguarding and is particularly useful for parish administration, religious, staff, and volunteers in leadership roles, or those with responsibility for volunteers. Resources include handbooks, role descriptions, volunteer packs, workshop dates, promotional material and links to key policies and procedures related to Safeguarding.

Visit the Safeguarding website

Te Rōpū Tautoko is the group coordinating Catholic engagement with the Royal Commission.

The Aotearoa Catholic Te Rōpū Tautoko exists to co-ordinate and manage engagement between the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Catholic Church in Aotearoa, represented by the Catholic Bishops and Congregational Leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Rōpū Tautoko is independent from the Royal Commission. 

Visit the Te Rōpū Tautoko website

If you require assistance or care, the Diocese can support you. Please reach out to the following agencies:

Catholic Social Services - for counselling and emotional support

National Office of Professional Standards - to report abuse by Clergy or religious

Abuse should also be reported to the New Zealand Police and you can obtain effective trauma counselling support through ACC

As part of the investigation by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in the care of the Catholic Church, the Inquiry is running a case study on abuse by the Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of Saint John of God, who were active in the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch.

You can find more information on the Report on the Te Rōpū Tautoko website.