A former police officer is temporarily stepping down from his roles as a board member of a charitable trust that provides specialist services to prevent sexual abuse and member of the Sport Integrity Disciplinary Panel following a damning review into a historical sexual assault investigation.
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ
RNZ earlier revealed an internal police review found an investigation by former Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Folau was "poor", that the complainant was "not listened to and not believed" and that the young man's sporting career was "prioritised over [the complainant] and any offending against her".
The review also said that based on its review of the original investigation the sportsman did not have a defence and was culpable of sexual conduct with a person under 16 years old.
The sportsman has been granted an injunction after he was approached by RNZ. The injunction means RNZ is not able to report his identity.
The original investigation into the sportsman and another man has been re-opened, meanwhile Folau is also under investigation.
Folau, who worked in police for 28 years, was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services in the Solomon Islands in 2004.
He holds several roles including board member of charitable trust STOP, a community based organisation that says it provides support and therapy for people "who have engaged in, or are demonstrating, concerning or harmful sexual behaviour".
Approached for comment on Friday about RNZ's article, STOP board chair Trisha Edmonds confirmed Folau was a board member.
"Darren brought this matter to my attention on Wednesday this week, and Darren and I immediately agreed that it was appropriate for Darren to temporarily step down from his role as a Board member while this matter is reviewed by the NZ Police.
"We will not be providing any further comment."
Sport integrity role also relinquished
Folau has also agreed to step down as a member of the Sport Integrity Disciplinary Panel Te Kahu Aratika.
In a statement to RNZ, the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui said it only became aware of the investigation into Folau today.
"This matter had not previously been disclosed to the Commission".
"Given the nature of the investigation, Mr Folau has agreed to stand down from the Panel. His ongoing role on the Panel will be revisited once this investigation has been completed."
RNZ approached Folau for comment on Wednesday. He said he was "not in a position to make any decisions or commentary".
In response to further questions, Folau said because of the little information he had, he did not think he could make any comments.
"The context I have is that I understand a review of an historical case is underway.
"I am comfortable that any recommendations I may have had input into will have been evidence based."
In May he was announced as the co-chair of the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa board.
The announcement said Folau "contributes to a number of governance and advisory roles, including Oranga Tamariki, STOP Trust, and Moana Vā, supporting Pacific Rainbow+ communities".
Brainwave Trust Aotearoa chief executive Huia Hanlen told RNZ on Friday she was "aware of this situation and have no further comment to make on behalf of Brainwave Trust Aotearoa".
Territorial Superintendent Ross McKay confirmed in a statement to RNZ that police had reopened an investigation into historical claims of sexual assault dating back to 2010, after an initial review in 2025 found "concerning management of the original file".
"An independent investigation team from another district is now leading the reinvestigation, and review into the handling of the original inquiry."
The sportsman said in a brief statement to RNZ he understood police were re-investigating the matter.
"So, it would be improper of me to make any comments at this stage. I have complete trust in the police."
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