Updates on the 'Roast Busters'

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."