Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	New Zealand Herald January 11, 1999 Extrovert plans Robbie profile by Philippa Stevenson Auckland's most flamboyant mayor will be painted in his true colours in a new book about his life, writes Philippa Stevenson. An author known for his own controversial trial is to paint the battling former Auckland mayor Sir Dove-Myer Robinson in his true colour - green. Dr John Edgar, the Hamilton primary school teacher last year cleared of eight indecency charges against pupils, plans to reveal Auckland's late mayor, universally known as Robbie, in a new biography as a pioneering environmentalist. Although Robbie was hailed as the saviour of the Waitemata Harbour, critics and supporters alike have suggested that he had few other achievements during his unmatched 18 years as mayor. But Dr Edgar said the battle over harbour sewage disposal that brought Robbie into city politics in 1951 was only one of many environmental initiatives. "He was an environmentalist long before it was fashionable," he said yesterday. During the 1980s, Dr Edgar, a historian, interviewed Sir Dove-Myer and wrote a doctoral thesis on his environmental interests. He has also written an essay on the late mayor for the fifth volume of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography to be published next year. The openly bisexual Dr Edgar, flamboyant like his subject, also has reason for empathy with Sir Dove-Myer, who was persecuted for his Jewishness as a child in England. As well, the adult Robbie remained an Establishment outsider even at the height of his power. "He was determined to do as well or better than his detractors. I liked him and found him a candid person to interview. I admire him and think he was a visionary," Dr Edgar said. After being acquitted of the indecency charges last April, a cynical and bitter Dr Edgar quit his 12-year teaching career and criticised police for bringing the prosecution. He said he would encourage other males to get out of schools. Nine months later he is unwilling to debate men's teaching role. The court case cost Dr Edgar his home. The 38-year-old is now housesitting for friends but mostly lives with his parents. He found work last year as a history research assistant and this year, while writing the biography, hopes to start a law degree. He laughingly admits it would be good to receive the same kind of fees he paid to lawyers during his case. A friend studying law sparked his interest, particularly in environmental legislation, he said. Dr Edgar has received a $6000 grant from the New Zealand History Research Trust Fund to write Sir Dove-Myer's biography. Pictured: Sir Dove-Myer Robinson