Witness Summaries 

Fr Timothy Duckworth 

At the time of the hearing Fr Duckworth was the Provincial of the New Zealand Society of Mary (often known as the Marist Fathers and Brothers) and had been in the role since the 1st of February 2020. He had been a priest for 38 years and had served in a variety of ministries and apostolates including teaching. His experience in Catholic education includes positions on Board of Proprietors, School Boards and as Dean of school boarding facilities.  

Robert Ferreira 

At the time of the hearing Mr Ferreira was the Rector/Tumuaki of St Patrick's College Silverstream, and had been since 2 May 2022. He was Principal of St John's College from January 2020 until his new role. He was previously a teacher for 33 years, including teaching at Palmerston North Boys' High School. Robert has not held any position in the Church outside of schools. Robert's evidence spoke to his role as the current Rector/Tumuaki of St Patrick's College Silverstream. 

Dr Clare Couch  

At the time of the hearing Dr Couch was the chairperson of the Board of Proprietors at St Patrick's College, Silverstream since March 2020. She was appointed to the Board in 2019 and was deputy chairperson from 2019. She was also one of three Proprietor's Appointees on the College's Board of Trustees since November 2012. She had undertaken these roles on a voluntary basis. Clare's evidence spoke to her time on the Board of Proprietors of St Patrick's College Silverstream. 

Sean Mahony 

At the time of the hearing Mr Mahony served as the current chair of the St Patrick’s College Silverstream School Board, having been in the role since 23 August 2022. He joined the Board as a Proprietor's Appointees in July 2019 and was Deputy Chair until August 2022. He was undertaking this role on a voluntary basis. Sean's evidence spoke to his time on the School Board of St Patrick's College Silverstream.