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The Press
October 7, 2003
Second Ellis petition launched
by Anna Claridge
The campaign for an inquiry into the Peter Ellis
case hit the heart of Christchurch
civic creche country yesterday.
A second petition led by former creche supervisor Gaye Davidson was launched
at the University
of Canterbury in front
of Ellis supporters, including former creche workers and law professors, and
Peter Ellis himself.
The more than 3000-signature petition – the second put forward by National
MPs Katherine Rich and Don Brash – calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry
into the child-abuse convictions of creche worker Ellis.
Big-name signatories include former Speaker and Government minister Sir Peter
Tapsell, Silver Fern Sandra Edge, musician Mike Chunn, and Christchurch businesswoman Peri Drysdale.
Ellis said yesterday that he was astounded at the high profile backing and
felt duty-bound to be at the launch.
"It would be rude not to be here," Peter Ellis told The Press.
"A lot of people have done a lot of work."
Remaining in the background yesterday, he said he wanted to avoid the
limelight to ensure attention was focused on the issues brought up by the
case.
Former creche parents had recently contacted him on behalf of their children
who had asked to pass on their regards.
Mrs Rich told Ellis supporters: "We're in the city where it all began so
many years ago. This is an issue that isn't going to go away and any justice
minister would be a fool to ignore (these names)."
Justice Minister Phil Goff has said he needs "fresh evidence"
before he will launch an inquiry into the case, something that has frustrated
Ellis campaigners.
Mrs Rich said: "I am beginning to wonder what it will take to make Phil
Goff open his eyes. People (on this petition) are not serial petition
signers. This is something that is bugging all New Zealanders."
Nine former creche children and 17 creche parents signed the second petition,
along with the man at the centre of New Zealand's most talked-about
justice travesty, Arthur Allan Thomas.
Twenty-seven members of Parliament have also signed the petitions.
Peter Ellis's mother, Lesley Ellis, said the recent flood of high-profile
support was "nothing new" to what the family had experienced over
the past 12 years.
"For the past 12 years that support has been there. It has always bugged
people but to actually come out and put your name in print is a different
matter."
She and her son were overwhelmed at the high-calibre of signatories but said
the local support had been just as heartening.
"People still come up to me at the supermarket and tap me on the
shoulder and give their support and I always think that is a brave thing to
do," Mrs Ellis said.
Ms Davidson said New
Zealand desperately needed the inquiry to
put the matter to rest.
The petition's fate lies with Parliament's justice and electoral select
committee which is at present considering the matter.
Ellis, a Christchurch
civic creche child care worker, was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to
10 years jail in 1993. After almost seven years he was freed, in 2000, having
always maintained his innocence.
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