The Dilworth Trust Board has benefited from and drawn upon several sources to inform the content of the community apology. The Dilworth Independent Inquiry Report was a strong starting point. Further insights were gained through the nature of personal apology requests made by survivors through the independent Dilworth Redress Programme, the results of qualitative research conducted by independent research company IPSOS with the Old Boy community, and a hui in early November 2024 that was attended by survivors, members of the DOBA Council, and Dilworth Trustees and senior leaders. The Board is also grateful for the collaborative efforts contributed through the survivor-led Project Reform Steering Group.
A survey was also undertaken to request feedback and input from the wider Dilworth community about what the apology should address and when and how it should be delivered. There was a strong response, and the Trust Board is grateful to those who took the time to share their views.
Contributors to the survey included 62 former students including 41 who were abused, 46 former family or whānau members, 15 former staff, and some current staff and family members. The greatest number of respondents had connections with Dilworth during the period 1997-2018. The second highest cohort connected to the 1979-1997 era.
The main themes arising from responses about the apology were that it should address the abuse that was allowed to happen, the harm it caused, the long-term impact on survivors’ lives, mental health and emotional wellbeing. There were consistent comments about the need to address the betrayal of trust, the silencing of boys, their families and staff, and fostering a culture of silence. Respondents wanted an expression of accountability and remorse for what the School’s former leadership had allowed to happen.
Survey contributors wanted the apology to be delivered in person, on paper, and livestreamed. They also urged that the apology be given as soon as possible.
As a result, and in consultation with the Project Reform Steering Group, the Trust Board has offered the apology in multiple ways to ensure survivors and the wider Dilworth community can access and engage in the observance, both on the day and as an historical record.
