Dame Silvia Cartwright will head the independent inquiry into abuse at Dilworth School.
Dilworth School. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Eleven men linked to Dilworth School have been charged over historical assault, totalling over 50 separate charges. Three have pleaded guilty and two have been sentenced to prison.
Dame Silvia, a former Governor-General and high court judge, led the inquiry into the Earthquake Commission's handling of the Canterbury earthquake claims, and the 1988 Cartwright Inquiry into cervical cancer treatment at Auckland's National Women's Hospital.
Dame Silvia Cartwright Photo: Supplied
Dilworth Trust Board said the inquiry was due to start on 1 July. Terms of reference had been finalised following consultation with old boy survivors, those affected by abuse and the wider school community.
"Fully understanding and addressing what led to the abuse, and our response to it at the time, is critical to supporting Old Boy survivors, their whānau and our wider Dilworth community," Dilworth Trust Board chairman Aaron Snodgrass said.
"These appointments are a milestone in our efforts to confront abuse at our school openly and honestly and support the recovery of our Old Boy survivors and those affected by abuse."
Dame Silvia be joined by Frances Joychild QC, a senior barrister with extensive experience in cases of human rights and sexual abuse, as co-inquirer.
A website will be set up by 30 June to enable people to register their interest in engaging with the inquiry.
Last year the Auckland boarding school announced it would offer financial redress.
The board said it was "well advanced" with confirming three independent panellists for the redress programme, and the appointments and final terms of reference would be completed and announced this month.