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Soldier faces sex-case hearing
– Sunday, 07 December 2008
An army instructor is facing harassment charges, including an allegation he demanded a female soldier perform a sexual act on him in order to pass her course.
The instructor, a lieutenant-colonel, is understood to have been drinking when he allegedly made his indecent proposal to his female subordinate, who was training at Waiouru to become a major.
The Defence Force confirmed the man had been charged with a range of offences relating to several incidents alleged to have occurred at Waiouru and Linton military camps in 2006, but which came to light only recently. The woman was in a relationship with another soldier. "The army is taking this matter very seriously," he said. An army spokesperson said there had been more than one complainant. An army spokesperson said a commanding officer would then assess the summary of evidence and decide whether to proceed with a court martial.
The man, a chief instructor on the course the woman was taking, is understood to be continuing with his regular duties while the matter is at the preliminary hearing stage of the judicial process.
Bullying and sexual harassment have been a perennial issue for the military, with 27 complaints in 2005, 34 in 2006, and 27 in the first half of last year. .
A 26-year-old instructor was sentenced to two months in military prison and sacked for kicking and punching recruits at Waiouru last year, while in another case a woman in the navy was hospitalised after reportedly being bullied.
The military has a zero tolerance policy on harassment, and has trained nearly 600 staff as "anti-harassment" advisers in recent years.
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Mascot knocker says sorry
– Wednesday, 03 December 2008
MARK TAYLOR/
ATTACKED: Harold the Giraffe who was knocked over by 22-year-old Damien Gifkins in Hamilton’s Garden Palace. Gifkins was fined over his disorderly behaviour.
The man who knocked over Harold the Giraffe in Hamilton says it was an accident and wants to make it up to him and take the mascotout for a beer.
The charge relates to an incident last Friday in which 22-year-old Gifkins knocked over Harold while he was fundraising for Life Education Trust in Hamilton'sGarden Place.
Damien Gifkins – known as Shady1 to his friends – pleaded guilty in Hamilton District Court on Monday to a charge of disorderly behaviour and was ordered to pay $130 reparation.
The suit was being worn by Hamilton lawyer Murray Grant, who required medical treatment afterwards.
Harold went flying into a cafe table, scattering cutlery and plates.
Gifkins contacted the after reading an article about the incident in Saturday's paper. "I was excited to be back in Hamilton (from Christchurch) and was running down the road and did not see Harold.
"From my point of view it was an accident," he said. I got a bit of a fright actually. I bumped into him and bowled him over. There was no excuse 4 what i dun n i would like 2 make it up to u."
In a text sent to Mr Grant, Gifkins wrote: "Im sendn u ths txt 2 apoligise 4 my idiotic actions on fridae afternoon…
Gifkins said he tried to ring Mr Grant yesterday because he wanted "to take him out for a beer".by offering my services n help to raise fundz 4 a new class rm if i am allowd 2?". He was still in a lot of pain and had physiotherapy treatment yesterday.
However, Mr Grant told the he had no interest in meeting up with Gifkins.
"He texted me and offered to do some fundraising for the trust, but I'd rather he pay to fix the suit – approximately $500.
Mr Grant did not believe the incident was an accident – "that's crap"."
The trust needs about $100,000 a year to stay operational in Hamilton. .lifeeducation. People wanting to make a donation can do so via their website, www.nz/about-us/donate .nz/about-us/donate .
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Power surge ‘fries’ appliances
Tuesday, 04 November 2008
ROSS GIBLIN/The
BIG BLOWOUT: Anindita Banerjee contemplates the $6000 cost to replace her ruined appliances after a power surge in Karori. Power company Genesis Energy says it is taking no responsibility for the surge.
A Wellington woman fears being left $6000 out of pocket after a power surge blew 10 electrical appliances in her home.
Anindita Banerjee woke early on Wednesday to the smell of smoke and electrical burning.
The surge last week affected about 70 homes in Karori."
She estimated the damage at $6000, but said she was glad the situation was not worse.
"I managed to get up and switched a couple of appliances off, but I've lost at least 10, including the TV, hot water, DVS system, computer modem and dishwasher. "What if the house had burned down?"
Ms Banerjee complained to her power company, Genesis Energy.
Ms Banerjee had asked for compensation for her blown appliances, and was told to contact her insurance company.
Company spokesman Richard Gordon said it took her plight seriously, but was not responsible for power surges. About 70 homes were affected, though not all as badly as Ms Banerjee's.
A spokesman for lines company Wellington Electricity, Hugo Armstrong, said there was a power surge early on October 29 after a fault at the Tringham St substation.
"If there's something we can do to help this customer, we will. ."
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Fifteen arrested in North Shore drugs bust
– Friday, 03 October 2008
Fifteenpeople have been arrested on drug related charges after police raided several Auckland residential houses yesterday.
Detective Steve Matheson said warrants were executed in the North Shore suburbs of Milford, Glenfield, Northcote and Beach Haven.
A male and a female will appear in the North Shore District Court today charged with selling and supplying the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine.
He said those arrested were aged from 15 to 58, and included members of three families.
Matheson said they'll appear in North Shore District Court on Monday.
Thirteen others are charged with cannabis offences including possession of cannabis for supply and selling cannabis.
"The successful execution of these search warrants by the Waitemata District Law Enforcement Team and other North Shore Police units has been most satisfying.
He said police have been investigating the illegal activities at these houses for the past two months.
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"There's no doubt these arrests will seriously impact upon a regular supply to cannabis users in these suburbs," Matheson said