Care and Safety Links

Abuse and Harm: Our Commitment

The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse or harm. We acknowledge the profound pain and trauma caused by past failures, and we are committed to ensuring that our Church is a place where everyone is safe, respected, and heard.

What is Abuse and Harm?

In the context of our safeguarding standards, Harm refers to any detrimental effect on a person’s physical, psychological, or emotional wellbeing. This includes:

• Sexual Abuse: Any conduct of a sexual nature that is inconsistent with the integrity of a pastoral relationship.

• Physical Abuse: Any non-accidental act resulting in physical harm.

• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Persistent ill-treatment that causes adverse effects on a person’s emotional development or sense of worth.

• Neglect: The failure to provide for a person's basic physical or emotional needs.

Click on this link to Report Abuse or Harm and view our policy and procedures  >>

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

At the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, we believe every person has a value and dignity that comes directly from being created in the image and likeness of God. This creates a sacred duty to protect all people, especially children and adults at risk, from harm.

Following the National Safeguarding Guidelines of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, we are committed to fostering a culture of 'Zero Tolerance' toward abuse. Our parishes implement strict safe-recruitment practices, police vetting for volunteers, and regular safeguarding training to ensure our community remains a secure physical, emotional, and spiritual environment for everyone to grow in their faith."

Click on this link for information, training, review and resources >>

We are committed to a culture of transparency, accountability, and safety. To help us maintain the highest standards of pastoral care, we provide three distinct ways for you to share information with the Diocese:

• Complaints: A "Complaint" is a formal notification regarding a serious matter, such as a breach of the Code of Conduct, financial misconduct, or a failure in professional standards. We treat all formal complaints with the utmost seriousness, following a structured process to ensure a fair, confidential, and timely resolution.

• Concerns: A "Concern" is for instances where you feel something "isn't quite right." This might involve a worry about someone’s wellbeing, a minor safety hazard, or a behavior that caused discomfort but may not yet reach the level of a formal complaint. Raising a concern early allows the Diocese to provide support and prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

• Points of Information: This is a helpful channel for sharing factual updates or observations that do not require an investigation but are important for the Diocese to know. This could include reporting a maintenance issue, updating us on a community event, or providing feedback on how a policy is working in practice.

Click on this link to lodge a complain, or share a concern or point of information >>

At Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. We collect and use your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the specific canon law requirements of the Catholic Church. 

Click on this link to report a privacy breach or view our policy and procedures  >>

Your Right to Access Information (IPP6)

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to request access to any personal information that the Dunedin Diocese holds about you. We believe in being open about how we handle your data and ensuring that the information we have is accurate.

1. What can you request?

You can ask us to:

• Confirm whether we hold any personal information about you.

• Provide a copy of that information (this could include parish roll details, sacramental records, or volunteer files).

2. How to make a request

This link gives an on line form for quick response, however you don’t need to use a specific form or mention the Privacy Act by name. You can simply contact our Privacy Officer (contact details are at the bottom of this page) via email or letter. To help us process your request quickly, please:

• State clearly what information you are looking for.

• Provide proof of your identity (so we don't accidentally release your data to the wrong person).

3. What happens next?

• Timeline: We will respond to your request as soon as possible, and no later than 20 working days.

• Cost: In almost all cases, providing you with your personal information is free of charge.

• Format: We will usually provide the information in the format you prefer (e.g., a digital copy via email).

4. Can a request be refused?

In very limited circumstances under the Act, we may have to withhold some information. Common reasons include:

• If the information involves the private affairs of another person.

• If disclosing the information would involve a breach of legal privilege.

• If the information is evaluative material (such as a confidential reference for a volunteer role).

If we do withhold any information, we will always explain the reason why and let you know how you can challenge that decision with the Privacy Commissioner.

Click on this link to request access to any personal information that we may hold>>

The Diocese and our Parishes are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone who enters our doors. Whether you are at Mass, at a meeting or community event, or a contractor, your safety is our priority.

Our Commitment

Following the guidelines of the Catholic Diocese and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, we aim to:

• Identify and Manage Risks: We proactively look for things that could cause harm and take "reasonably practicable" steps to eliminate or minimize them.

• Empower Our People: We encourage clergy, staff, and volunteers to participate in safety training and speak up about safety concerns.

• Maintain Safe Spaces: From earthquake-prone building assessments to electrical testing (test-and-tag), we work to keep our physical structures safe.

Hazard and Incident Reporting

A Hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm (like a loose carpet tile or a dim stairwell). An Incident is when something has already happened (even a "near miss" where no one was hurt).

If you notice a hazard or are involved in an incident on Church property, please report it immediately:

1. Immediate Danger: If there is a fire or medical emergency, call 111 and follow our evacuation procedures.

2. Report to the Office: Inform the Diocesan Health and Safety Officer or if in a parish, the Parish Priest or Health and Safety Representative, as soon as possible.

3. Complete a Form: Please fill out our Online Hazard/Incident Form that is linked to this page or use the paper forms located at the Office.

Common Areas of Focus

• Fire Safety: Please familiarize yourself with the evacuation maps at the entrance. Trial evacuations are held every six months.

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: We ask all users of the hall and church to keep walkways clear and report any spills or uneven surfaces.

• Contractor Safety: All contractors must sign in at the office and provide their own health and safety plan before beginning work on-site.

See something? Say something.

Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see a light bulb out, a wet floor, or a broken chair, don't assume someone else has reported it. Use our online form or report it at the Diocesan or Parish Office.

Click on this link to report a hazard or incident and view our policy and procedures  >>