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New Plymouth, Taranaki
Police investigating allegations against prominent Catholic officials, Court of Appeal considering last-minute injunction
Prominent leaders within New Zealand’s Catholic Church are being investigated by police over historical allegations of abuse.
The Herald understands that allegations have been made against three officials who are involved or were previously involved in the church.
The individuals are fighting to keep the claims from being made public, and a court order prevents publication of the allegations and the people involved.
But it is understood a 52-year-old man, who is based in Australia, laid a complaint with Australian police last year. The complaint was referred to New Zealand Police.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that an investigation had been launched after police received reports earlier this year of historical abuse at a premises in the North Island.
Inquiries were well under way, the spokeswoman said, and New Zealand Police were liaising with their Australian counterparts on the case.