IPCA launches investigation into Police actions relating to Rewa case

23 August 2013 -The Independent Police Conduct Authority today announced that it will investigate allegations of Police misconduct and the failure of Police to investigate information relating to Malcolm Rewa.

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair, Judge Sir David Carruthers said the Authority has reflected on the information that has been raised over the past few days relating to this matter and has independently decided an investigation is warranted.

“This will focus on the nature of the Police investigation into the historical allegations of rape raised by a number of women and whether Police should have identified the perpetrator during the course of their investigation. It will not consider matters in relation to Teina Pora that are currently before the Court.

“We have listened to the conversations and discussions involving this matter and we have taken everything on board. It is not unusual for the Authority to re-evaluate a decision as new information comes to light,” Sir David said.

“Our role is to consider complaints about alleged Police misconduct or neglect of duty, or about Police practices, policies or procedures. The Authority is fully independent of Police and as such this investigation will be carried out by the Authority’s independent staff.

“The investigation team will reflect our independence and will be made up of staff including non-New Zealand investigators and others from different backgrounds with experience of rape and sexual abuse matters.”

ENDS

Earlier: 22 August
IPCA clarification of decision

22 August 2013 - The Authority wishes to outline the reasons why it declined to take any action following receipt of a recent complaint relating to allegations of Police misconduct and the failure of Police to investigate information relating to Malcolm Rewa.

Independent Police Conduct Authority Chair, Judge Sir David Carruthers said the issues raised in this particular complaint regarding the Police investigation related to historical matters that were 20 years-old.

“Since that time there have been significant changes to Police policy and procedure when dealing with allegations of rape and sexual abuse, including the recent changes that are still being implemented, following the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct conducted by Dame Margaret Bazley. I have noted that Ms Louise Nicholas, who was at the centre of that Inquiry and who is now working with the Police in this area, was able to confirm these changes.

“The Authority therefore decided an inquiry into the way Police conducted their investigation 20 years ago was not warranted, particularly in view of the fact that many of the officers involved in the earlier investigations will have left the Police force in the intervening period.

“In addition these issues are connected to the conviction of Teina Pora which is likely to be subject to ongoing court proceedings. The Authority determined it would therefore be inappropriate for action to be taken in such circumstances.

“The Authority is currently reflecting on all of the issues that have now been raised relating to this matter,” Sir David said.

ENDS

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