Updates on the 'Roast Busters'

Mon 26 May 2014

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released its report into information provided to media by the Police in relation to the 'Roast ...

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released its report into information provided to media by the Police in relation to the 'Roast Busters' on 22 May 2014. IPCA found that a systemic breakdown in communication by Police led to inaccurate information being provided to the public. However it found that no individual could be criticised and made no recommendations. Read the IPCA report.

In November 2013, Police stated in the media that no complaints or formal statements had been received from any of the alleged victims of the 'Roast Busters' and that was the reason why Police had not been able to undertake further investigations or lay any charges. That was shown to be incorrect when a young woman appeared on television saying she had made a formal complaint, which Police then confirmed.

IPCA has also considered the adequacy of the Police criminal investigation and the handling of any complaints or reports received by Police from members of the public between 2011 and October 2013. That investigation has been concluded but IPCA says it cannot report publicly until the ongoing criminal investigation (Operation Clover) is completed, to avoid the investigation being prejudiced.

Detective Inspector Karyn Malthus, head of Operation Clover, says Police are collating information gathered in the investigation into the so-called 'Roast Busters.' This will undergo legal review.

A friend of the teenage girl who made a formal complaint to Police and her family was quoted in the NZ Herald as saying she had gone into a "downward spiral". She said, "She was prepared to fight. Now ... she feels disbelieved. It's taken so long. It's ludicrous."

For background information, see the previous NZFVC news story.

Roast Busters arrests welcomed by anti-sexual violence campaigners, RNZ, 17.12.2020

Roast Busters arrests give criminologist hope for change, RNZ, 17.12.2020

Roast Busters arrests 'too late' - abuse prevention advocate, RNZ, 17.12.2020

Two men previously from 'Roast Busters' arrested and charged - police, RNZ, 16.12.2020

Roast Busters inquiry drags on, Stuff, 19.10.2014

Judge pushes Tamihere’s post-Roastbusters dispute out of court, National Business Review, 10.09.2014

'Unprecedented barrage' of complaints after Roast Busters, NZ Herald, 18.06.2014

Friends fear for Roast Busters girl, NZ Herald, 23.05.2014

Minister responds to IPCA report, Beehive, 22.05.2014

Tolley disappointed in Roastbusters 'communication breakdown' (+ FULL REPORT), NewsTalkZB, 22.05.2014

Communication failures blamed for Roast Busters errors, 3 News, 22.05.2014