10:49 am today
One of the victims of sexual assault at a Labour Summer School Camp has contacted police and now an investigation has
been launched.
Labour Party general secretary Andrew Kirton. Photo: RNZ
According to Newsroom, more than 50 people attended the camp and about a third were aged 18 or under.
On the camp's second night, a party was thrown.
Four people, all aged 16, were sexually harassed or assaulted by a 20-year-old. Three of them said the 20-year-old put
his hand down their pants.
Labour Party general secretary Andrew Kirton told The AM Show this morning that he was aware one of the individuals had taken the matter to the police.
"They have our full support to do so," he said. "We wanted them to have a say and be in charge of what happened next."
Police said they had begun an investigation into the allegations and that the first step would be to assess information
available to them to determine what is required from an investigation perspective.
Detective Superintendent Chris Page would lead the investigation and police are encouraging anyone with information to
come forward.
"Our priority is to ensure that anyone who wishes to speak with us can feel comfortable in doing so, and to ensure that
appropriate support services are available."
There was alcohol at the party despite the victims' ages. Newsroom reported a "mountain" of alcohol including rum,
vodka, cider and a large array of RTDs was being consumed by many people including a 15-year-old boy.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday told Morning Report it was her understanding there were consent forms, but they were more around their attendance.
Newsroom reported the camp's supervisor went to bed about 9pm and was not present at the party. There were also videos
of drunken scenes and at least one man stripped to the waist dancing on a table.
The perpetrator was not a Young Labour member or staffer, according to Ms Ardern. He had not, as far as she knew, been
offered counselling.
Police have offered to discuss the events with people who want to, without making any discussions public. They said
anyone with relevant information should know that an official complaint does not need to be laid for investigations to
begin.