Dilworth praises courage of survivors

1 June 2022

Statement from Dilworth Trust Board Chairman Aaron Snodgrass

“We acknowledge the courage of all Old Boy survivors who laid complaints that have led to today’s guilty verdict against Mr Cave in the High Court in Auckland.

We are deeply sorry for the hurt caused to Old Boy survivors by Mr Cave’s grievous breach of trust and criminal offending when he worked at Dilworth. We also acknowledge and regret that the safeguarding practices of Dilworth School in the past did not adequately ensure the safety of our students. This does not reflect our current safeguarding and child protection practices and other policies regarding the care, safety and well-being of Dilworth students.

The Dilworth Trust Board is committed to confronting historical abuse openly and honestly. We are commissioning an Independent Inquiry into abuse at Dilworth to more fully understand the contributing factors, including what the School may or may not have done at the time, as well as a Redress Programme which we hope will contribute meaningfully to the healing process for Old Boy survivors.

We continue to offer the Old Boy survivors counselling and support services through our confidential Listening Service, and to support all Old Boy survivors working with the NZ Police’s Operation Beverly.

The abuse suffered by some of the Old Boys in Dilworth’s care is, and was, completely unacceptable.

As this matter remains before the Court until sentencing when the case is concluded, we will not be providing any further comment.”