Louise Deans

Louise Margaret Deans is a New Zealand Anglican priest, who published a book about her abuse within the church during her ordination training. In 2022 Deans was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community and women.

Personal life Deans was married to James Deans (died 2014), of Homebush Homestead, descendant of pioneer John Deans. The Deans lived at Homebush, and were upstairs when the 2010 Canterbury earthquake hit and damaged the house beyond repair. The historic house was subsequently demolished, but they chose to rebuild it. Giving evidence to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care in 2020, Deans said the church had tried to have sections of her book amended, and prevent her from presenting some of her evidence to the Commission of Inquiry. Deans and other women later received a formal apology from the Anglican Church and resettlement agreements, as well as changed procedures for complaints.

Deans was elected to Selwyn District Council in 1989 and served until 1995.

In the 2022 Queens Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours Deans was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community and women.

Published works