Teaching Council to probe its actions over sexual abuse allegations against St Bede's College priest

Photo: Nathan McKinnon / RNZ The Teaching Council says it will investigate whether mandatory reporting obligations were met over allegations involving a priest now convicted of sexually abusing boys, with its disciplinary process set to examine the actions of "everyone involved". It comes after RNZ revealed that the Society of Mary was made aware of allegations against the priest nearly 20 years ago. The religious order was unable to verify the allegations from the anonymous complainant, but removed him from public ministry and enacted a "safety plan". RNZ reported on Wednesday that Fr Rowan Donoghue had pleaded guilty to six charges, five of which are representative, including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. The offending related to four boys who were boarding at St Bede's College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000. Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz In response to questions from RNZ, a Teaching Council spokesperson said any situation where a young person had been harmed or made to feel unsafe was "deeply distressing". "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this case. No child or young person should ever feel unsafe at school." Photo: RNZ In general, the council did not comment on complaints or mandatory reports that had been made to the council. "However, given the level of public interest, we can confirm that we have been working closely with New Zealand Police since early 2025 in support of their investigation into offending by Mr Donoghue. "The legal requirement for mandatory reporting to the New Zealand Teachers Council (now the Teaching Council) relating to the dismissal, resignation under investigation, serious misconduct, competence concerns, or specified convictions of teachers was first inserted into the Education Act 1989 by the Education Standards Act 2001 to protect the safety of children and young people in our education system." Now the criminal process had concluded, the council's professional disciplinary process would resume. "This process will include consideration of whether obligations have been met to report conduct or competence concerns to the council that were known at the time, and appropriate action depending on the findings." Asked who the disciplinary process would look at, the spokesperson said the council would "look into the actions of everyone involved". "We are committed to ensuring the safety of children and young people and the quality of teaching in our education system, and we encourage anyone who has concerns about the conduct or competence of a formally registered teacher to reach out to us." In response to questions from RNZ on Wednesday, the Society of Mary confirmed an anonymous complaint of a sexual nature was made against Donoghue in 2007. "The Society of Mary sought to investigate the complaint, but was unable to gain sufficient information to verify the allegations. Even so, the Society of Mary determined that Donoghue should be removed from public ministry, with a safety plan enacted. That has stayed in place since that time." The society was not aware of the allegations to which Donoghue entered guilty pleas until police laid charges, the spokesperson said. "Our first thoughts are with those who came forward and described what happened to them. We extend our apologies to them, and will seek to do so personally at an appropriate time. We deeply regret the hurt or harm caused." The society was "committed to ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all people in Church settings". Asked whether police were told, the spokesperson said the complainant was "encouraged to contact the police". St Bede's College rector Jon McDowall told RNZ on Wednesday the details outlined through the court process were "deeply disturbing". "As rector, it makes me feel sick to think that young people entrusted to an adult's care were abused in this way. I am deeply sorry that this happened to them, and my thoughts are with the victims and survivors who continue to live with the impact of that harm." McDowall said the school had worked openly with police throughout the process. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities should any further information come to light. "Abuse has no place at St Bede's - past, present, or future. The College has an established policy in place to respond and support victims of historical abuse, alongside safeguarding policies and practices to protect the wellbeing and safety of students today. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community." McDowall extended an open invitation for victims in the case, and others who may have been impacted, or anyone with concerns to contact him directly. He earlier told RNZ the school was "formally notified" of the allegations by police and had "worked openly with them since that time". "We hold victims and...

Teaching Council to probe its actions over sexual abuse allegations against St Bede's College priest

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