The Governor-General's speech delivered at the launch of Victoria University of Wellington's Crime and Justice Research
Centre on Monday evening, has been taken out of context and grossly misrepresented, according to Professor Stuart
McCutcheon, Vice-Chancellor.
"As one who was present during the speech, unlike most of the commentators, there is no question that Dame Silvia's
remarks have been taken out of context. There has been misrepresentation in the media and by other spokespersons on what
were objective comments that were very clearly qualified at the time," said Professor McCutcheon.
"Indeed, Dame Silvia quoted from the experience of the judiciary and the public sector in making her remarks. Part of
her speech cited the University's own stated aspirations for the new Crime and Justice Research Centre - to be the voice
of reason in the increasingly emotive debates about the origin and solutions to crime."
Professor McCutcheon said that Dame Silvia's comments "were above reproach and clearly appropriate within the context of
the Centre's launch". He said,"it is ironic that the ensuing media frenzy around this issue is clear evidence of the
need for a neutral and objective analysis of crime. However we anticipate the same emotive response from the community
each time our criminologists enter the debate - something that Dame Silvia was quick to point out, and to encourage
Victoria University to remain committed to."
Issued by Victoria University of Wellington Public Affairs
For further information please contact Jude.Urlich@vuw.ac.nz or phone +64-4-4635539