The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson has expressed his regret that a number of Regular Force cadets had to put up with unacceptable treatment meted out by their comrades several years ago.
"I have received the Ministerial review into the Allegations of Abuse at the Waiouru Regular Force Cadet School from 1948 to 1991 and Events Surrounding the Killing of Cadet Grant Bain in 1981 conducted by the Hon D S Morris Esq.
Cadet Grant Bain was shot dead in the Cadet School barracks in February 1981. Cadet Andrew Read subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of carelessly discharging a firearm causing death.
"Justice Morris’s report is thorough and balanced. The report very fairly places the events in the context of the values and norms of the day (which are somewhat different from what they are now) and also explains the role and aims of the RF Cadet School. Justice Morris has rejected any allegation of widespread sexual abuse and he found that any abusive behaviour was that of cadets to cadets and did not involve the Regular Force NCOs or officers.
"However, even accepting the "background context" it appears that that a number of RF cadets had to put up with treatment meted out by their comrades, which no person should have been exposed to in any circumstances. For that I express my sincere regrets.
"Notwithstanding the fact that many of the events in question happened two or more decades ago, the findings of the Morris Report will doubtless be of concern to the public and give rise to questions over current practices. For this reason I welcomed an administrative review to examine the efficacy of current policies and practices of the NZ Defence Force to prevent physical, sexual and other abuse.
"I am pleased to advise the review found the NZ Defence Force’s policies for the prevention and management of abuse are sound, and personnel throughout the NZ Defence Force are striving to implement those policies. There is a strong awareness of the need to provide a safe working environment and to protect people from all forms of abuse. Commanders at all levels saw this as an integral part of their leadership responsibilities.
"I wish to assure families who entrust their family members to us to prepare and train them for service in the Defence Force, that we take this responsibility seriously. If there are shortcomings, failures or wrong doings, those responsible will be held to account and face the consequences of carrying out unauthorised actions or allowing them to take place."
Justice Morris’s report found bullying took place but nothing to support claims of a culture of violence, says Defence Minister Phil Goff.
"In the case of the death of Cadet Bain, Mr Morris reported that some mistakes had been made by the authorities at the time," Mr Goff said.
"Mr Morris found that Read should have been charged with manslaughter. However, he was satisfied that the decision on the charge was made by the Police officer heading the inquiry, and that there was no collusion between the Army and the police over the matter.
"Mr Morris was also satisfied that the subsequent military Court of Inquiry was conducted properly and in accordance with all statutory requirements.
"However he felt that it would have been more appropriate for the Army to have brought further charges against Read, although he noted the decision not to do so was taken on legal advice.
"Mr Morris's view is that the Army failed to adequately supervise the use and handling of ammunition on the firing range, and that it gave Read too much un-policed authority over junior cadets. However, he was ultimately unable to find that closer supervision would have prevented the death of Cadet Bain.
"The review indicates that few serious incidents are occurring. However, it has recommended greater performance management measures to monitor the effectiveness of abuse prevention policies. These recommendations will be acted upon," Mr Goff said.