Catholic order takes blame for sex abuse

A Catholic order is taking the blame for the sexual abuse of students in its care at the Feilding boarding school it founded.

A spokesman for the Society of Mary (Marist) Phil Cody said members "feel shame, sorrow and sadness" after the conviction yesterday of a former teacher at Hato Paora Maori Boy's College for the sexual assault of five boys.

John Louis Stevenson, 66, of Wellington, admitted abusing the boys, aged between 14 and 16, between 1976 and 1981 at Hato Paora where he was known as Brother Bernard.

He pleaded guilty to five charges of indecent assault and one of inducing an indecent act and was remanded in custody for sentencing on December 22.

This is the second time a teacher from the Society of Mary has been convicted of sexually abusing his charges at Hato Paora.

Father Cody spokesman for the Society of Mary, said the order no longer supplied teachers to the school, though it wasn't because of the assaults.

He said the order apologised to all the victims.

There has been some compensation paid to victims, in at least one case without the police being told of the offence.

The church had set up a phone helpline for anyone who wanted to talk about the case on 0800-764-357.

Father Cody would not comment on the sentence Stevenson could expect.

"He has been given continual counselling, help and support by the church since we found out."

Hato Paora principal Tihirau Shepherd said while the offending took place over two decades ago, it still resonated through the school today.

However, rules and guidelines had been instituted to greatly lessen the chance of boys being assaulted.

He said the conviction would not affect the popularity of Hato Paora, which had been thriving in recent years and seen its roll rise from 90 students in 1999 to 230 today -- with a waiting list.

Mr Shepherd said the school's board of trustees had implemented new legislative requirements which made schools safer and there were new policies of openness and transparency that would make it harder for offences to occur.

"We have talked about this in assembly and sent letters home to parents. And we continue to talk to the boys about the matter. We have made changes such as students who need extra tuition in subjects always attend in at least pairs and are not alone with adults.

"We are very, very vigilant. The students know it is okay to disclose. If they can't talk to teachers or staff there are mentoring programmes and safety nets so there is always someone to talk to."

- nzpa