New Zealand Police will take ownership of the investigation into allegations of rape of a New Zealand woman on the P&O cruise ship "Pacific Star".
"As the woman concerned is a New Zealander," said Police National Crime Manager, Detective Superintendent Win van der Velde," we feel it has become our responsibility to work with our international partner agencies, namely New Caledonia and Australia, to sort this matter out."
The matter was brought to the attention of New Zealand Police on January 3, when the victim arrived back in New Zealand after being flown home by the P and O Shipping Company. On January 5, following the arrival of the cruise ship Pacific Star into Auckland, Police worked with the shipping company and their personnel to complete a scene examination, and seize evidentiary exhibits to assist in the investigation.
Mr van der Velde said it was important to provide the complainant with some reassurance that something is being done.
ENDS
Jane Archibald
Media PNHQ
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