Who do I make my claim of abuse in care to?

When you can make a complaint to NOPS

The National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) investigates complaints about sexual abuse by a member of the Catholic Church clergy or congregation (for example, a friar or a nun).  

Find out how to make a complaint to NOPS. 

Making a claim can bring up a range of emotions. Learn where you can find support to help you before, during, and after this process. 

Learn about redress and what it means to make a claim.

If your claim is not covered by NOPS 

If your complaint is about another form of abuse, or the abuser was not a member of the clergy or a congregation, you can contact the responsible bishop, religious superior, or Catholic organisation.  

There are six Catholic dioceses and many congregational orders in New Zealand which are part of the Catholic Church, some examples include: 

• the Society of Mary (also known as Marist Fathers) 
• Marist Brothers 
• Sisters of Nazareth 
• Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion (Sisters of Compassion) 
• Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy New Zealand (Mercy Sisters). 

Some congregational orders are based in Australia but had a temporary presence in New Zealand (as the St John of God Order, who ran Marylands).

Find the contact details of: 

• Catholic dioceses in New Zealandopen_in_new  
• Catholic organisationsopen_in_new.  

How your claim is processed, and what form of redress is offered (if any), will depend on the diocese or organisation. You can choose to have a lawyer make a complaint on your behalf. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid, which is a loan to help cover a lawyer’s fees. Learn more about legal aidopen_in_new.