Safeguarding

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At the Roman 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 Diocese and Parishes implements 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.

The Sacredness of the Person: Our "Why"

At the heart of our safeguarding efforts is the theological principle of Te Tapu o te Tangata—the intrinsic sacredness and dignity of every human person. We believe that every individual is created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore deserves to be treated with the utmost respect, care, and protection.

Safeguarding is not merely a set of administrative rules; it is a fundamental expression of our Christian ministry. By protecting the vulnerable and ensuring a safe environment, we honor the tapu (sacredness) of our brothers and sisters and fulfill our mission to love one another as Christ loves us.

National Standards: Our "How"

To ensure our commitment is backed by consistent, professional action, we operate under the rigorous guidelines set by the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS). This office provides the framework for safeguarding across all Catholic Dioceses in Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring that every parish follows the same high standards of safety, vetting, and accountability.

For more information on the national policies, training courses and  resources, or the Church’s wider commitment to safety, please visit the NOPS website:

• Website: safeguarding.catholic.org.nz

• Contact information: National Office for Professional Standards, P O Box 10199, Christchurch 8145

• Office Email: prof.standards@nzcbc.org.nz    Phone: 0800114622

Local Support: Your Contact

If you have a question, wish to report a concern, or simply want to learn more about how we keep our community safe, please reach out to our diocesan safeguarding leads. We have a Diocesan Lead and each Parish has a nominated Lead. They are here to listen, support, and ensure that our policies are put into practice every day.

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Paul Olsen Email: paulo@cdd.nz

NOPS have made an introductory video about Safeguarding which can be used for all employees and volunteers as part of their induction to their roles in the parish.  The idea is for this to be watched at the same time as they sign the Code of Conduct and receive induction on their roles.

Please click here to download and print our diocesan Volunteer Safeguarding Induction Checklist Form

These are the guidelines for the prevention of and the response to sexual abuse in the Catholic Church In Aotearoa NZ.