John Kavanagh (bishop)

John Patrick Kavanagh (30 April 1913 – 10 July 1985) was the fourth Catholic Bishop of Dunedin (1957–1985).

Early life
Kavanagh was born in Hāwera in 1913.

Legacy
Dunedin's only Catholic secondary school, Kavanagh College, was named after him until 2023.

In 2018 public controversy arose as to his handling of clergy and religious abuse allegations during his episcopal tenure. In 2020, Cardinal John Dew instigated an investigation into Kavanagh's actions. The investigation found that Kavanagh failed to investigate abuse claims relating to one priest. In 2022 it was announced that Kavanagh College would be renamed Trinity Catholic College from 1 January 2023 in consequence.

Death
He died in Dunedin on 10 July 1985.