Sexual assault, child protection cases reopened amid concerns about senior officer

More than 50 child protection complaints and adult sexual assault cases have been re-opened amid concerns about a senior officer.

The re-investigations follow a "rapid review" of 1000 files that were under the oversight of the officer while working in different locations over a three-year period from May 2023.

The officer is now subject to an employment process, with police describing the revelations as "extremely concerning".

In a statement sent to RNZ, Assistant Commissioner District Support Tusha Penny said concerns were raised in May 2026 about the management of one historical case.

Do you know more? Email [email protected]

"That initial case sparked a further review where another 13 cases were identified as requiring re-investigation.

"All these cases have been reassigned, and all victims have been contacted."

Police also carried out a rapid review of about 1000 files which were "under the oversight" of the senior officer, with a further 40 cases identified for re-investigation.

Penny said the operation had pulled together a team of specialist child protection and adult sexual assault investigators to work on the re-opened cases.

"An internal assurance audit of all districts and service centres confirmed for Police that there were not wider systemic issues.

"We have engaged external support agencies to offer support to the complainants in these cases."

Penny said police took its commitment to victims seriously and as part of this process, would be working to further strengthen their processes.

"We are working with Oranga Tamariki, IPCA and other agencies, as we progress this matter.

"While this issue is extremely concerning for Police, it does not reflect the dedication and work of officers across the country who work every day to prevent, respond and resolve crime with victims at the centre of everything they do."

Police had self-referred the matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he had ask for a briefing from police, and for reassurance victims were receiving support.

"I had not received a briefing on this matter at the time of response, but on becoming aware of the situation, I have requested a full briefing from Police.

"My expectation is that victims whose files have been re-opened are receiving information and support and I have asked police for reassurance this is happening.

"I am pleased to see that Police have been proactive and undertaken a full audit of all files when the issue surrounding a file was bought forward.

"Our Police officers do outstanding work every day in the very difficult, sensitive and challenging area of child sex offending and will be feeling badly let down by this situation. These Officers invest a lot of themselves in supporting and working hard for the best outcome for victims.

"The victims must be at the heart of any additional police work on the files identified."