TV series changed amid controversy
A television series about army recruits at Waiouru had to be adjusted amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The documentary series,
Intake, aired on Ma¯ ori Television in October and November after details of the alleged offending emerged. The seven-week series followed the recruits through basic training.
The Defence Force released information in July about the removal of seven personnel at the army depot training establishment at Waiouru Military Camp, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Since then, investigations had started into two other people no longer working at the depot.
An officer was also stood down while an investigation was conducted into an allegation of assault on a recruit.
Six investigations have been completed and six personnel have been cleared of any wrongdoing. Information released under the Official Information Act reveals the army was concerned about the series airing after details of the incidents in Waiouru became public. Defence Minister Ron Mark was briefed by the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, who said: ‘‘Complicating these proceedings has been the Diva Productions Ltd filming of the All Arms Recruit Course 388, during which many of the alleged incidents occurred’’.
Short said episode two of the series focused heavily on a person who was allegedly the victim of bullying and assault.
He commented about episodes four and five in the series too, although those comments were redacted from the response Stuff received.
Under a heading ‘‘reputational issues’’, Short said to manage the risk associated with the documentary series, key episodes were to be reviewed in early August and September.
‘‘Discussions with Diva Productions will be had to reduce focus on [name redacted],’’ Short said.
Diva Productions producer Arani Cuthbert said it had to edit a recruit out of the series because they had been part of filming, but subsequently withdrew their consent.
She said the company had ‘‘no choice’’ about this.
The company only filmed seven weeks of the 16-week course and was unaware of any misconduct, Cuthbert said.
The show aired on Ma¯ ori Television and she said the network was told about the issue.