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Otago Daily Times
Monday, 28-February 2000
Ellis: fighting for the children as well
NZPA
Wellington: Convicted paedophile Peter Ellis says
the fight to clear his name is not just for himself.
Rather, it is for the innocence of the children involved in the Christchurch
Civic Creche case; for the rights of New Zealand men to interact freely with
children; and after six-and-a-half years behind bars, it is now also for
justice reform.
Ellis (41) walked free from Paparua Prison this month after being convicted
in 1993 on 16 charges of sexually abusing seven children in his care at the
Civic Creche.
He has always maintained his innocence and has lodged a third application to
the Governor-General for a pardon and commission of inquiry.
Justice Minister Phil Goff is considering an inquiry into the case.
Ellis said yesterday he wanted those involved in any inquiry to remove the
emotions of the case, particularly the families directly involved.
"That is what being a child-care worker is. It's standing up and saying
to the children: `It didn't happen and this is not fair on you, it's not fair
on your parents'," Ellis said on TV3's 20/20 last night.
Despite his lack of bitterness, Ellis said he was angry at the repercussions
of the case.
"It took away a brilliant creche [and] it effectively threw a huge stone
in the middle of a pond and that ripple didn't just stop at the Civic Creche.
"It stopped grandfathers from picking up their first grandchild because
they're a bit worried, it stops uncles from . . . picking up their nephews
and nieces from play groups, and it stops the fathers of New Zealand
participating fully with their children."
The country was also losing valuable male teachers in early childhood centres
and primary schools.
Ellis said he was overwhelmed by the support of fellow prison inmates who
made the effort to talk to him and inform themselves about his case.
While the time in prison had slightly subdued his "fun" character,
Ellis said it also enabled him to "grow up a bit".
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