An inquiry into a senior police officer’s management of over 50 cases was launched when supervisors discovered a historical sexual abuse case had remained uninvestigated for several years.
Almost all of these cases, except two, involve child protection complaints and adult sexual assaults and have been reopened following concerns raised in May 2026 regarding the handling of one historical case.
RNZ has learned that the officer in question is Detective Inspector Kevan Verry, who is currently part of the National Gang Unit in Wellington and has been serving as a police officer for nearly three decades.
When contacted by RNZ on Tuesday morning, Verry stated, “I will not be making any comment about the case.”
The allegations reportedly pertain to investigations that were closed without proceeding to court.
It is believed that Verry’s role at the time was as a second-level supervisor, responsible for receiving files with recommendations after information had been gathered, rather than investigating the files directly.
Verry’s prior assignment was in Northland.
Assistant Commissioner District Support Tusha Penny, speaking to Checkpoint on Tuesday, noted that the investigation commenced after it was realized that a senior officer had a file left unattended for years. She identified this file as a historical sexual abuse allegation.
“Given the nature of the file, that was unacceptable,” she stated. “We undertook a comprehensive review to ensure clarity and prevent any oversight.”
Penny explained that specialists from across the country reviewed nearly 1,000 files, identifying 54 that require reinvestigation. None of these files had been prosecuted.
Of these 54 cases, 40 concern child protection, 12 are related to adult sexual assault, and two involve other crimes, according to Penny.
She acknowledged the possibility that alleged offenders might have reoffended during the time the cases were inactive.
“This is why we’re conducting a thorough investigation of each case. The New Zealand police are committed to full transparency, prioritizing victims and ensuring our duties are fulfilled.”
Penny mentioned that police have a national quality assurance process for “targeted files.”
When asked if Verry was still on duty, Penny did not provide a direct answer, though it is understood he is on special leave.
“There is an ongoing employment process, and I will not compromise that by discussing the officer or any related matters. I encourage any victims or advocates to reach out to us,” she added.
In an earlier statement to RNZ, Penny said the initial concern in May 2026 over one historical case led to a review identifying 13 additional cases needing reinvestigation. All cases have been reassigned, and victims have been contacted.
Police also conducted a rapid review of around 1,000 files overseen by the senior officer, identifying 40 more cases for reinvestigation.
Penny stated that a team of specialist child protection and adult sexual assault investigators has been assembled to handle the reopened cases.
“An internal audit confirmed there are no wider systemic issues,” she said. “External support agencies have been engaged to assist the complainants.”
Penny emphasized the police’s dedication to victims and their commitment to enhancing procedures.
“We are collaborating with Oranga Tamariki (OT), IPCA, and other agencies on this matter. Although concerning, this does not reflect the overall dedication of officers nationwide who work tirelessly with victims at the center of their efforts.”
OT acknowledged awareness of the investigation into the senior officer’s supervision of cases, stating they are working with police to assess their involvement and necessary support in the reopened investigations, particularly regarding child safety, said spokesperson Thomas Ronan.
Police have self-reported the issue to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, which was informed of the matter on 2 June. An IPCA spokesperson confirmed oversight of the police investigation.
‘Horrendous and tragically sad case’
Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money received a briefing on the situation, describing it as “a horrendous and tragically sad case of a senior person failing to fulfill their duties, thereby letting down families, victims, New Zealand, and their police colleagues.”
She urged those with concerns to contact the police, local sexual violence support, or her office.
“This is an isolated incident, and I have strong confidence in our police force. When headquarters identified a problem, they promptly reviewed numerous files, ensuring a safe environment for victims,” Money stated.
She appreciated the “urgency and professionalism” demonstrated by the police in conducting the rapid review, though she was not informed of the officer’s identity.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell requested a briefing from police and sought reassurance that victims were receiving support.
“I was initially unaware of this matter but have since requested a full briefing. My priority is ensuring that victims of reopened cases receive information and support,” he stated.
He commended the police for their proactive approach in auditing all files once the issue was identified, acknowledging the challenging work officers do daily in dealing with sensitive cases of child sex offending.
“Officers are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for victims, who must remain the focal point of any additional police work on the identified files,” Mitchell emphasized.
‘Deeply distressing’ for survivors
HELP Auckland’s Executive Director Kathryn McPhillips expressed concern over the distressing impact this news may have on sexual violence survivors.
“Our thoughts are with every survivor whose case is now being revisited,” she stated. “Reporting sexual violence is incredibly difficult, and being informed years later that a case is reopening can retraumatize survivors.”
McPhillips stressed the need for clear communication from the police and ongoing specialist support for all affected individuals.
“If managed well, this process could help rebuild trust for survivors who have lost faith in the system, requiring transparency, accountability, and survivor-centered practices throughout,” she noted.
She also raised concerns about the need for reinvestigation of numerous cases before issues were identified, pointing to gaps in existing quality assurance processes that failed to detect problems earlier.
“A comprehensive review of systems is welcomed because survivors deserve confidence in robust safeguards,” McPhillips concluded.
