A public statement from the NZDF

As Ms Taylor has appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal, this matter remains before the courts and it would not be appropriate for the New Zealand Defence Force to comment on the specifics. The New Zealand Defence Force, however, has been and remains open to resolving the matter without the need for further litigation.

The NZDF has publicly acknowledged that for survivors of sexual abuse the court process can be a damaging and re-traumatising process. Late last year, following a meeting with the Roper survivor group, the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Andrew Clark committed to looking at what options may be available to avoid that happening where the NZDF is concerned. NZDF is keen to ensure the proper avenues for support are explored and utilised, rather than the institution and pursuit of civil proceedings.

In determining the case, the court ruled that Ms Taylor had been sexually assaulted by Robert Roper. However, the Court did not accept Ms Taylor’s evidence that she had complained to the Air Force at the time about Roper’s assaults. The Court also accepted the RNZAF’s evidence that had a complaint been made to the Air Force at the time, it would have been taken seriously and acted upon accordingly.

NZDF has never defended Robert Roper nor denied the allegations made against him. Counsel for the NZDF did not cross examine Ms Taylor in respect of the alleged events involving Mr Roper.

Robert Roper is a convicted rapist serving a jail sentence for his crimes. He does not in any way represent the values of the New Zealand Defence Force and the thousands of women and men who serve.

As this matter is before the courts, NZDF will not be putting anybody up for interview at this stage.