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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
November 13, 2003

Order hears complaints of cruelty
by Yvonne Martin

A Catholic Order of nuns has heard complaints of abuse from 18 people raised in their Christchurch orphanages and is now opening its cheque book.

Fifteen women and three men have complained to the Sisters of Nazareth about cruelty during their early years at Nazareth House in Sydenham and St Joseph's Home in Halswell.

The complaints span several decades from the 1930s.

Mediation -- involving nuns from Australia, complainants from around New Zealand, and lawyers for both sides -- began in Christchurch a fortnight ago.

Complainants have asked the Order for compensation, in cash or cars, or to have their mortgages and other debts paid.

One man has already reached an undisclosed settlement with the nuns, and others are in final negotiations.

Many more complainants are waiting in the wings for another mediation round next year.

A joint statement from the lawyers yesterday said the hearing stage of the latest mediation had been completed, and negotiations were being finalised.

The process was expected to be completed by the end of next week.

Christchurch law firm Grant Cameron Associates confirmed that one of its male clients had reached a settlement and the other was close.

"The nuns have been very open-minded and listened closely to what the men had to say," said lawyer Patrick McPherson. "They have been constructive in responding to the men's complaints, and the clients are very happy with the way the sisters listened to them."

His firm has another 10 clients due to go into a second mediation with the sisters next year.

One female complainant in the latest mediation round, alleging physical abuse by the nuns, hoped to get her wish list.

"It was agreed they would make our life better for what time we have got left," she said. "The nuns are also willing to pay for counselling."

The mediation is being run by Christine Grice, the New Zealand Law Society's immediate past president.

It is not the first time the Nazareth sisters have made cash payouts after abuse complaints.

In Australia, the Order has made ex- gratia payments worth more than $NZ1.17 million to former residents of a Brisbane orphanage.

Victims alleged they were raped by nuns and priests, and forced to eat faeces, vomit, and rotting fish while in the orphanage's care.

In making the payments and issuing apologies, the sisters did not admit any wrongdoing.