A major re-investigation of more than 50 child protection and adult sexual assault files has found 11 cases where further alleged offending occurred after the initial reports were made to police, it can be revealed.
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ
It can also be reported that two men have been charged with sexual offending as a result of the new inquiry with police saying further prosecutions are anticipated in the coming weeks. They have started extradition proceedings in three cases involving suspects believed to be living overseas.
The re-investigations, under Operation Hark, began after concerns were raised in May about Detective Inspector Kevan Verry's handling of a historical sexual abuse case in Northland that had sat for a couple of years with no action.
That led to more than 50 child protection and sexual assault cases being re-opened.
RNZ earlier revealed some of the re-opened cases related to allegations of sexual offending against children.
In a statement to RNZ this week, Detective Superintendent Keith Borrell said police were close to concluding the re-investigation phase which included more than 45 investigators from across the country assembling in Northland to prioritise the cases.
"The team has worked at an exceptional pace alongside Oranga Tamariki and other service providers in this field, ensuring a strong focus on the needs and wellbeing of victims has been at the heart of their work, as well as maintaining the highest of investigative standards," Borrell said.
"There are nine cases yet to be formally resolved, and there is a clear plan in place to bring these remaining matters to a conclusion as quickly as possible."
To date, two men have been charged.
One is a 59-year-old Far North man who has appeared in the Kaitaia District Court facing two charges of indecent assault on a girl under 12 years of age, and one of indecent assault on a girl aged between 12 and 16. The charges relate to one complainant.
The other is a 53-year-old Far North man who has appeared in the Kaikohe District Court facing six charges of unlawful sexual connection, 10 of indecent assault on a girl, and one charge of attempted rape. The charges relate to alleged historical offending against two victims.
Borrell said 43 cases had been filed with no prosecution.
"In some cases, victims advised they did not wish to proceed further with their complaint. Given these matters involve historical allegations, we acknowledge and respect their decisions.
"However, we have made it clear that they can return to Police at any time should they wish to revisit their complaint, and we will carefully reconsider the matter."
He said the re-investigation phase had also identified 11 cases where further alleged offending occurred after the initial report to police.
"This is a concerning finding from the wider Operation Hark response. Victims have every right to expect their reports will be thoroughly investigated, and it is deeply troubling that further harm may have occurred in some instances after that first report was made.
"At every stage of engagement, we have worked to ensure victims have access to appropriate support services and welfare assistance."
RNZ has asked police how many of the 11 cases where further alleged offending occurred involved the same complainant, what the alleged offending was and how long after the initial report the alleged offending occurred.
The cases
Police have also now provided a breakdown of the cases included in the re-investigation phase.
Of the 57 cases, 42 relate to offending against children - 28 involve allegations of physical abuse and 14 allegations of sexual abuse.
Twelve of the cases relate to adult sexual assault, where complainants were aged 18 years or older at the time of reporting.
Borrell said experienced investigators and supervisors assessed each case following an investigation and made recommendations as to whether formal action should be pursued or no further action should be taken.
The final decision to file a matter with no further action was made by a panel which included the senior reporting officer for Operation Hark, a senior representative from Police Integrity and Conduct, the manager of sexual violence and child protection as well as the detective superintendent responsible for the Criminal Investigation Branch in the Upper North Island.
Two senior representatives from Oranga Tamariki were included on the panel for child protection matters.
"The panel considers a range of factors, including: The quality and completeness of the investigation, the appropriateness of investigative decision making, whether the victim's best interests have been considered, whether all reasonable steps have been taken to support and safeguard victims, and whether appropriate measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of further offending."
RNZ earlier revealed police were also reviewing their systems used to manage child protection and sexual assault cases and had established an external advisory group to provide oversight and assurance.
Borrell said this week the review, being led by an "experienced police leader" supported by a "multidisciplinary working group" remained ongoing.
"Police take their obligations to victims extremely seriously. This working group continues to examine what contributed to this situation and identify opportunities to strengthen our adult sexual assault and child protection systems, processes, and partnerships to help prevent this occurring again.
"This work remains underway and we expect the review to be completed by late October."
Borrell said the police would publicly release the final report.
Oranga Tamariki (OT) deputy chief executive Thomas Ronan earlier told RNZ OT had completed a review of all cases identified by police which involved children.
Twelve reports of concern had been created as a result.
"We did not identify any cases requiring urgent intervention to keep children safe and we are not expecting any further reports of concern to be raised.
"However, we continue to work with Police locally to consider each case, share information, and determine any further actions required."
RNZ understands Verry, who had worked in the police for nearly 30 years, was on special leave.
He earlier told RNZ: "I can't comment about the matter whilst an employment investigation is being undertaken and police have not provided me with any details of the cases involved."
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