Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:
Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on offending by Father Rowan Donoghue to come forward.
This comes after all suppressions for Father Donoghue lifted on 28 January 2026.
He has pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court on 13 November 2025, in relation to a number of historical offences against former students at St. Bede’s College in Christchurch, and is set for sentencing later this year.
Following the lifting of all suppression, Police have been made aware that former students of Wellington school St. Patrick’s College Silverstream, have alleged similar offending by Father Donoghue.
Father Donoghue worked at St. Patrick’s College Silverstream from 1982 to 1992.
We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.
Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.
If you have any information or would like to report similar offending, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.
ENDS
