A domestic violence agency is defending the police amid concerns that delays in following up child abuse cases may be more widespread than previously thought.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority began an inquiry in August into delays in investigating more than 100 cases, mainly in Wairarapa.
It now says it's received evidence of delays or issues with the management of child abuse cases in other districts and is expanding the inquiry to cover the whole country.
The organisation, Safer Homes in New Zealand (Shine), is shocked that such delays may be widespread.
Executive director Jane Drumm says from her experience, child abuse cases have been a priority for the police and officers want to sort them out as quickly as possible.
Police Minister Judith Collins says she supports the inquiry. She says there is no excuse for child abuse.
