News

Community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another.

Henri Nouwen

Principal sexual assault trial: Joseph Moncarz sentenced for abusing student

The former principal of an Auckland-based private school has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse of a young student who he called a liar at trial but – in an unusual reversal – later admitted to having victimised. Joseph Jacob Moncarz, known as “Joey” to students at the Deep Green Bush…

Read MorePrincipal sexual assault trial: Joseph Moncarz sentenced for abusing student

Calls for Oranga Tamariki residences to be shut down after serious allegations come to light

There are calls for Oranga Tamariki residences to be shut down following serious allegations about “inappropriate sexual behaviour” towards children in its care. Earlier today, it was announced that two Oranga Tamariki staff members had been removed from two unnamed residences. Chief executive Chappie Te Kani has, over the past week, been informed of two allegations involving…

Read MoreCalls for Oranga Tamariki residences to be shut down after serious allegations come to light

Crown responder disbelieved abuse allegations

Iona Holsted was singled out for criticism in the Royal Commission’s report on redress for being among officials who suggested lawyers were drumming up false or exaggerated claims The Government appointed career bureaucrat Iona Holsted to lead a unit responding to victims of state abuse, despite a Royal Commission documenting her previous allegations that a lawyer representing victims…

Read MoreCrown responder disbelieved abuse allegations

Former Dilworth assistant principal admits another raft of child sex abuse

Dilworth’s former assistant principal sexually abused boys on scouting trips, school camps and in the school’s sick bay. Ian Robert Wilson appeared by audio-visual link from Waikeria Prison at the Auckland District Court on Thursday where he admitted sexually abusing a further five boys in his care. It is the third time the 71 year-old…

Read MoreFormer Dilworth assistant principal admits another raft of child sex abuse

Not a few bad apples—the barrel is rotten: Tom Doyle on clerical child abuse

Tom Doyle brings a wealth of knowledge, experience of both research and litigation, and a solid integrity to the examination of the abuse of children by clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church. He speaks on this subject with an honesty, and courage that is peerless. His testimony is precise without being sensational. The analysis he outlines…

Read MoreNot a few bad apples—the barrel is rotten: Tom Doyle on clerical child abuse

One-third of childhood sexual abuse is perpetrated by another child. Shannon Molloy tells his story – and urges us not to look away

Journalist Shannon Molloy is used to sharing his story. In his 2020 memoir, Fourteen (now adapted for the stage), he wrote about growing up gay in regional Queensland in the 1990s, enduring severe bullying. He wrote in a piece that sparked the memoir: I was bashed, ridiculed, taunted endlessly, you name it. I was almost run over. At a…

Read MoreOne-third of childhood sexual abuse is perpetrated by another child. Shannon Molloy tells his story – and urges us not to look away