Statement from Acting Headmaster Tom Murdoch
Dilworth School has been advised that investigations by the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal into historical allegations made against a former employee, Paul Artus, have now concluded with the Tribunal determining that “Mr Artus is not of good character and not fit to be a teacher.” The Tribunal has cancelled his registration.
The Tribunal considered complaints made about alleged conduct by Mr Artus in 2000-2001.
Dilworth supports the decision. Dilworth School did not seek to have its name suppressed. The School had shared late last year that this case was pending, but was unable to provide any details because of the Tribunal’s confidentialty requirements.
In late 2020 the Teaching Council advised the School of a complaint against Paul Artus about historical behaviour. Dilworth acted in accordance with our stringent child safeguarding policies and procedures by immediately suspending Mr Artus, who has not taught at or been present at the School since then. The School was subsequently able to undertake an independent investigation, after the complainant approached the School directly in 2023, which resulted in formal termination of Mr Artus’ employment by Dilworth.
You can find the link to the Teaching Council Tribunal decision here.
ENDS
Contact information:
• Email: media@dilworth.school.nz
• Phone: +64 27 209 1670
About Dilworth School, Dilworth Trust Board and Dilworth Response
Dilworth is a boarding school, with all 500 students receiving full scholarships. After a successful two-year trial, boarding will be optional for Junior Students (years 7/8) from 2025. The Will of founder James Dilworth stipulated that his estate be used to establish and operate a school to provide an education for young men from families whose circumstances may prevent them from fulfilling their potential. Today, Dilworth School works to develop these young men to be of good character, and supports them to achieve their own personal excellence and flourish in life.
Dilworth School is responsible for the safety, care, education and development of all current and future students. Dilworth students are offered academic, sporting, cultural and social opportunities, as well as a strong pastoral care system and quality teaching. In September 2022, Dilworth was the first school in New Zealand to gain Child Wise Accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to care for the safety of its current and future students. https://www.dilworth.school.nz/home
The Dilworth Trust Board is a charitable trust. The trustees maintain and expand the Trust’s assets in accordance with James Dilworth’s Will, they oversee the selection of students and they have governance oversight of Dilworth School. Revenue generated by the Trust’s properties and other investments funds the operating costs and future growth of Dilworth School. Dilworth School is not responsible for managing or making decisions about investing or spending the Trust endowment.
Dilworth Response oversees the Dilworth Trust Board’s commitment to fully, openly and honestly confronting the issue of historical sexual and other abuse that occurred at Dilworth School and to support former students, who were victims of this abuse, to heal. https://dilworthresponse.org.nz/