Presbyterian Support is defending its handling of historic sexual abuse claims at one of its children's homes.

At least 14 former residents of the Berhampore Children's Home in Wellington have told police they were sexually abused at the home in the 1950s and 1960s by Walter Lake, who ran the orphanage for 20 years.

TVNZ's Sunday show revealed Lake's abuses in an investigation last year which prompted a police inquiry. Police were set to take action but lake died before they could get him to court.

Presbyterian Support has been criticised for failing to properly investigate the claims.

But Presbyterian Support says it can't investigate the 40-year old allegations without knowing who the complainants are.

It also says some complainants have hindered its investigations by failing to provide information it has repeatedly asked for, and says it isn't liable for whatever went on at the children's home.

David Bahler is the first of the 14 victims to file leagl action.

The ex-policeman says Presbyterian Support has to pay for its alleged role in the sexual abuse scandal. He hopes that by going public other people will stand up.

Bahler saw the Sunday investigation and approcahed the Presbyterian Support Services.

"They just didn't want to talk to me. They didn't want to talk to the lawyers who were acting for me. Their response was just go ahead and sue us," Bahler says.

A judge will start looking at his case later this month and others are expected to follow.