Critics stick boot into World Cup minister

Murray McCully. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully has been accused of taking a blase attitude to sexual violence for not sacking controversy-plagued Andy Haden.

Haden finally resigned from his role as a Cup ambassador yesterday - but refused to back down from his inflammatory comments on rape victims.

"I have always believed in saying what I think. It's a sad day for society when people such as I are unable to express what we believe," he said.

McCully was attacked for going on holiday and allowing Haden to remain in his role for 48 hours after the controversy emerged. A few hours before Haden tendered his resignation at 5pm, McCully's spokesman James Funnell said the minister was unavailable as he had "gone bush".

"[McCully] was sure he'd get hold of him some time over the weekend, but for all I know the minister might be out fishing," said Funnell. "I'm not interested in trying to explain why the minister hasn't made contact with Andy."

Kim McGregor, director of Rape Prevention Education, said the minister's attitude was "disappointing"

She said, "Survivors of sexual violence and the women of this country are looking for a stronger lead from the minister. This needs to be addressed promptly."

She said comments such as Haden's would led to sexual predators avoiding official sanction. "If a rape survivor thinks they'll be blamed, then they're much less likely to report sexual assault to police."

Haden sparked outrage when he told a TV show this week that women sought out sports stars and then later accused them of rape. He said: "I think if the cheque bounces sometimes, they only realise they've been raped, you know."

The former All Black said, "These girls are targeting rugby players and targeting sportsmen and they do so at their peril today."

McCully declined to sack Haden in May after the former All Black sparked a racial furore when he said the Canterbury Crusaders had a policy of "three darkies, no more."

Labour leader Phil Goff said McCully's bungling was turning the Rugby World Cup into a farce.

"The schemozzle over broadcasting rights, the mess over Queen's Wharf, and the failure to be decisive over Andy Haden all add up to a picture of incompetence," Goff said.

Trevor Mallard, Labour's spokesman for the Rugby World Cup, said McCully was distracted by the glamour of his job and was failing to make any progress.

He said: "He's a bit of a moth - he goes from bright light to bright light without getting jobs done."