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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Former High Court judge
David Morris has been given a broad brief to assess claims of abuse at the
Waiouru army cadet school. Morris has until March
30 next year to recommend what action should be taken by the Government over
the claims sparked by allegations from former cadet Ian Fraser last month. Fraser claimed there
was widespread "physical, psychological and sexual abuse" of cadets
as young as 15 at the school between the 1960s and 1980s. Since speaking out,
he had gathered about 350 abuse complaints. Morris has already begun
assessing the abuse claims. According to the terms
of reference announced by Defence Minister Mark Burton, Morris would examine:
* The behaviour and
treatment of cadets at the Regular Force Cadet School from 1948-1991. * The events
surrounding the killing of Cadet Grant Bain in 1981. * Other related
matters. Morris is required to
review all information on the topic from various sources including Fraser,
the New Zealand defence forces and the media. Morris would need to
separate issues of alleged mistreatment from those that amounted to crimes,
and identify allegations outside the scope of his assessment for appropriate
referral. Fraser told The Press
that he was pleased to see the terms of reference were "reasonably
broad". "Which is good. I can't see they have missed anything
out." The deadline set for
Morris was realistic given the Christmas-New Year break was approaching. "I wouldn't see a
need for it dragging along any longer." Burton said he would
make available all material and information provided to him on alleged abuse
at Waiouru, as would the New Zealand Defence Forces. Police and the Crown
Law Office could likely be consulted by Morris. Burton still wanted to
hear from any former cadets or their families with concerns to air. They could either ring
freephone 0800 222 044 or email mburton@ministers. govt.nz. |
