Historic Abuse Investigations
When the past surfaces, you need someone who knows what they're doing.
Organisations across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly facing the need for abuse in care investigations. Whether from a survivor coming forward, a lawyer’s letter, a media inquiry, or the discovery of something that happened a long time ago in your care.
These situations are among the most serious and sensitive an organisation can face. How you respond matters. It matters to survivors, to your board, to your reputation, and to your legal standing.
Abuse in Care Investigation Support
Tim Sterne is an experienced independent investigator with a background in NZ Police investigations and a deep understanding of the education and nonprofit sectors. We work alongside your legal advisors to conduct independent, trauma-informed investigations into historic abuse allegations involving:
- Schools and boarding facilities
- Faith-based institutions and churches
- Residential care and disability organisations
- Nonprofits and community organisations
What we bring to abuse in care investigations
Independence: We have no prior relationship with your organisation, your staff, or your complainants. Our findings stand on their own.
Experience: Tim’s background as a former NZ Police Detective Sergeant means he understands how to gather evidence, assess credibility, and produce findings that withstand scrutiny.
Discretion: We understand the sensitivity of this work. Every engagement is handled with the confidentiality it requires.
Sector knowledge: As a former teacher with experience in church leadership, Tim understands institutions from the inside. Basalt Solutions understands the governance structures, relationships, and dynamics that make these investigations complex.
What our clients say
Get in touch
If you’ve received an allegation, a letter, or a disclosure – or if you simply need to talk through a situation confidentially before deciding what to do – contact us.