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Allegations
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NZ First
December 1 2005
Waiouru Cadet Report Welcome
Press Release by Ron Mark
New Zealand First defence
spokesperson Ron Mark today welcomed the result of the inquiry into the Regular
Force Cadet School at Waiouru. The inquiry had been convened following claims
from some former cadets that they had suffered abuse, including sexual abuse,
at the hands of more senior cadets.
“I am pleased that
Justice Morris, who headed the inquiry, found that although there had been
bullying at the school, there had been no culture of violence,’ said Mr Mark.
“From my time at the
school I was unaware personally of any incidents, but I know that from time to
time such complaints were brought to the attention of the authorities, and the
Army had always acted swiftly.
“Many of the young men
who gained their training at the school went on to become great leaders, like
Matt Te Pou, Tiny Hill and Don McIver.
“It is a shame that some
people’s reputations have been tarnished as a result of the allegations.
“Hopefully now they and
all the other ex-cadets, who took these allegations so personally, can put it
behind them, and the good name of the school can be restored,’ concluded Mr
Mark.