In 2021, the Board announced it would commission an Independent Inquiry, which would seek to provide an understanding of the nature and extent of abuse at Dilworth School, the School’s response to complaints of abuse at the time, including the adequacy of actions taken, and the factors that caused or contributed to the abuse occurring.
The Independent Inquiry, led by The Hon. Dame Silvia Cartwright with Frances Joychild KC as Co-Inquirer, commenced its work on 1 July 2022.
The Independent Inquiry into abuse at Dilworth School is now complete and was released by the Inquirers on 18 September 2023.
You can read the Report here.
The Report sheds light on events and behaviour that should never have happened. The Board apologises to all those who suffered abuse while students at Dilworth School, as well as to their families and whānau.
The Board acknowledges and extends its gratitude to all those who engaged with the Independent Inquiry. It also thanks the independent Inquirers and the Inquiry team for the care and commitment they have dedicated to their work and in producing the Report.
The Board will now carefully consider the findings and recommendations in the Report to identify the steps Dilworth needs to take. It will share an update on its plans in due course.
The video below shares more information about the Board’s response to the Independent Inquiry Report, and work by Dilworth School to ensure the safety of students today.
A message from the Dilworth Trust Board Chairman and Dilworth Headmaster
The Hon. Dame Silvia Cartwright ONZ PCNZM DBE QSO DStJ led the Dilworth Inquiry as Inquiry Chair. Dame Silvia was joined by Frances Joychild KC as Co-Inquirer.
The Terms of Reference for the Independent Inquiry were finalised by Dame Silvia and Ms Joychild, following completion of an extensive feedback process by the Board on the proposed terms involving former students who have been abused, others affected by abuse and the wider Dilworth community. Legal representatives of survivors have also contributed to the Terms of Reference.
Date
Activity
15 March 2022 – 13 April 2022
Feedback received from former students who have been abused, others affected by abuse and the wider Dilworth community on the proposed Independent Inquiry
1 July 2022
Registrations open for former students who have been abused, others affected by abuse and the wider Dilworth community to register to participate in the Inquiry
18 September 2023
Delivery of the Independent Inquiry Report into abuse at Dilworth School
18 September 2023 onwards
The Board will carefully consider the findings and recommendations in the Report to identify the steps Dilworth needs to take. It will share an update on its plans in due course.