Rape acquittals prompt march to support Nicholas

A march in support of rape complainant Louise Nicholas is planned for central Auckland on April 30, to mark Rape Awareness Week from May 1.

Organiser Helen Wiseman-Dare, who describes herself as "a concerned citizen", said the march was a way for those not happy with the Nicholas verdict to make their frustrations known.

"I felt there was a need for people to express how they felt about it. There's a lot of concern in the community about the case. I felt there was a need for an outlet."

A High Court jury last month found three men, including former Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards, not guilty on a slew of historic charges of sexual violation and indecent assault on Mrs Nicholas.

But the acquittals set off a storm of protest, one women's group distributing court-suppressed information about the three accused.

Ms Wiseman-Dare, who was not part of that group, said she felt the not-guilty verdicts sent the wrong message to rape victims, and could discourage possible complainants from going to police in future.

The jury's decision also showed urgent action needed to be taken against New Zealand's "stringent" suppression laws, she said.

"There is a perception that suppression laws are being used to protect the rich, famous or powerful, while others must battle for suppression."

The We Support Louise Nicholas March will begin at Queen Elizabeth Square at 2pm on April 30.

It will travel up Queen St to Aotea Square, where speakers from Rape Crisis and Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation will address the crowd.