Allegations of sexual contact between recruits and instructors at the NZ Defense Force Training Center

Serious accusations of sexual contact between instructors and recruits at Waiouru NZ Defense Force training center appeared

The Office of Defense Minister Ron Mark confirmed that he had been informed problems at the Army Depot.

The NZ Defense Force issued a press release saying that "two members of the management team of the Waiouru Military Depot have been replaced."

He said that others had also been removed from their instructor role An investigation into "allegations of inappropriate behavior" was ongoing.

"Military Police and Command investigations relate to a number of significant breaches and deficiencies, including improper conduct, non-compliance with standing orders, and failure to follow established procedures.

"The inquiries concern seven members of the Army Depot.The two members of The Army Depot's management team are not the subject of an investigation." [19659002] Chief of the General Staff, Peter Kelly, stated that investigations were underway to ensure that the procedure was followed and we are standing at the highest levels of behavior – well above of those we are legally bound to

"When we see performances and behaviors that do not meet our expectations, we will act

" Leadership Changes We Made "

Although 39, the investigation is currently underway, the NZDF's statement states that "formal disciplinary procedures are planned in the short term."

he stated that no further details would be provided and no interviews would be given.

The question will be very sensitive for the New Zealand Defense Force, given its "Respect for the Operation" program to eradicate sexual harassment and related issues. 59002] The Herald was informed that the investigation at the superior command at the Depot of the Army is related to the commanders' knowledge of the perpetual pursuit of recruits by some of the instructors from the training base.

It was understood that they had questioned the direction of those who were aware of the instructors having sexual contact with recruits

Questions emerged after an example of sexual contact between two instructors and a recruit become known.

Questions were raised about consent, although the prohibition of sexual contact is partly related to the power imbalance between instructors and the youth of most recruits – usually teenagers or early the twenteeth.

the defense force about the elements of culture that had developed at the Depot of the Army.

A spokesman for Mark said that there was a briefing on the issue on the minister's desk. He had only been made aware of the matter this morning.

"He asked for a meeting with senior leaders to discuss the issue."

An evaluation report from the Department of Defense about the safety of recruits, including the rewriting of the Defense Order that prohibits personal relationships.

According to the recommendation, the Defense order prohibiting close personal relationships in a training environment had to be rewritten to manage autonomously or intermittently.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the initial training of recruits revealed "that there is no tolerance for harassment, intimidation or discrimination in a civilian environment". Positive learning "

. found that 3% of recruits reported "inappropriate behavior or language on the part of instructors"

While noting "zero tolerance", the report indicated that it was "d". a very small overall percentage "

" We observed that commanders were acting quickly to remove any instructor suspected of being sexually or physically inappropriate with recruits. "