New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release

Friday, October 08, 2004

REGULAR FORCE CADET SCHOOL ALLEGATIONS

Today, Chief of Army, Major General Mateparae, said "I am very concerned with the serious nature of the allegations made by former cadets at the Regular Force Cadet School (RFCS).

"Accordingly, I have tasked my staff to urgently review all available records on the RFCS held by the Defence Force, so that we can provide the Minister of Defence with a comprehensive report.

"I am working closely with the Minister of Defence's Office, on the Chief of Defence Force's behalf, to provide all necessary information and support as the Minister considers options for an appropriate, independent process to review these issues. I fully support an open and independent investigation of these serious allegations.

"Army will fully cooperate with such an investigation, and make available all relevant existing information.

"The RFCS produced many of the Army's finest soldiers and officers. Without diminishing the serious nature of these recent allegations, which must be thoroughly investigated, it should be also recognised that there was much that was good and positive in the RFCS system.

"The NZDF is strongly committed to the prevention of harassment. Any form of harassment is unacceptable and not tolerated by the NZDF"

To contact the New Zealand Defence Force: army.info@nzdf.mil.nz

ENDS

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