Wellington teacher historic abuse trial

The story so far

A 52-year-old female teacher, who was a family friend of the complainant, faced seven charges of historic sexual abuse involving a boy aged 12 or 13 about 20 years earlier, and she denied them.^{6, 7, 9 Oct 2025} At her Wellington District Court trial, the complainant's mother testified that the boy frequently babysat for the teacher, including staying overnight, and the teacher's wife attended court to show support.^{7 Oct 2025} The teacher gave evidence in her own defence, denying that the alleged incidents, which were said to have occurred in 2005, took place.^{9 Oct 2025} Judge Bill Hastings found the teacher's account of events was a reasonable possibility, and she was found not guilty of all seven charges.^{17 Oct 2025}

Latest

The teacher has been acquitted of all seven charges of historical sexual abuse.^{17 Oct 2025} She remains under name suppression.^{17 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 6 Oct 2025Teacher appears in Wellington District Court facing seven historic sexual abuse charges.
2. 7 Oct 2025Complainant's mother testifies the boy often babysat for the teacher, sometimes overnight.
3. 9 Oct 2025Teacher gives evidence in her own defence, denying the alleged incidents occurred.
4. 17 Oct 2025Teacher found not guilty on all seven charges; judge accepts her account as reasonable.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.