Police are urging anyone with information about historical offending linked to Father Rowan Donoghue to come forward, following the lifting of all name suppressions on 28 January 2026.
The appeal comes after Donoghue pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court on 13 November 2025 to a number of historical offences involving former students at St Bede’s College in Christchurch. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
Since the suppressions were lifted, Police say additional allegations have emerged from former students of St Patrick’s College Silverstream in Wellington, where Donoghue worked between 1982 and 1992. Investigators are now seeking further information to determine whether additional victims may have been affected during that period.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said Police understand how difficult it can be for victims to speak about historical abuse, but stressed that reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively. She said dedicated officers and detectives are assigned to these cases, and Police are committed to providing a safe and confidential environment for people to come forward.
Anyone with information or who wishes to report similar offending is encouraged to contact Police online via the 105 reporting service or by calling 105 directly, where arrangements can be made to discuss matters safely and confidentially.
