Board Member Achieves Apology in High Court Action
A board member of Richmond Fellowship New Zealand has received letters of retraction and apology from Richmond’s former
human resources manager, Paul Bradley, following a recommendation of the High Court that Mr Bradley publish corrections
in a claim for defamation and injurious falsehood.
Richmond Fellowship board member John Blackaby took legal action in response to letters Mr Bradley mailed to Mr
Blackaby’s employer, the Chief Electoral Officer, in September 2002. In the letters to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr
Bradley made a number of specific claims that included Mr Blackaby – in his position as a trustee of Richmond Fellowship
- was unethical, unprincipled, disloyal if not dishonest and corrupt as well.
On February 11 the High Court made a recommendation that Mr Bradley publish corrections in the form of letters of
retraction and apology to Mr Blackaby, to the Chief Electoral Officers, and to the Hon Tim Barnett MP, in line with the
terms of Mr Blackaby’s settlement requirements. These letters constitute a published correction under the provisions of
Section 26 (1) of the Defamation Act 1992.
In his letters of apology, Mr Bradley acknowledges that the statements and allegations made to the Chief Electoral
Officer, and which he said he would also refer to Hon Tim Barnett MP, were made without evidence they had substance or
foundation. Mr Bradley unreservedly retracted all such statements and allegations.
As a result of the claim, the High Court has also made a substantial aware of legal costs against Mr Bradley, who
represented himself throughout the court action.
Following the release of the Court’s decision, Richmond Fellowship chief executive Dr Gerry Walmisley said the personal
accusations made against Mr Blackaby were intended to reflect badly on his position as a trustee of Richmond Fellowship.
“We are satisfied that this matter has been heard in an appropriate forum and pleased that the Court recommended Mr
Bradley publish appropriate corrections.” Dr Walmisley went on to say that Richmond Fellowship unreservedly expresses
its confidence in John Blackaby, who the Board regards as a capable, loyal and honest board member.
Richmond Fellowship is a major provider of community health and support services throughout New Zealand. The Fellowship
has developed specialist services for a range of purchasers including the Ministry of Health, Crown Public Health and
Community Health Boards. Services include support programmes for people with mental, psychiatric or psychological
illness, respite and emergency support, consumer based drop-in services, specialist youth services and dual diagnosis
services (including intellectual disability/mental illness).