KEY POINTS:
Jess
I am a female and I think he got what he deserved. What I'd like to know is who assaulted who first, I guess we'll never find that out. Everyone goes on about men hitting women being wrong, but what about when they are defending themselves? For all we know, the female could be the one assaulting a male. Too many double standards. I hope he still gets to play and it's not like he was beating her up. It was a slap people. Don't forget, she also wanted to drop the charges a few days after she laid them. I'd also like to see more women get charged for slapping their husbands as it does happen but society automatically defends the women. By the way...I'm not condoning family violence in anyway I just think this whole situation has been blown out of proportion because he's an All Black.
Ollie
Dont get me wrong, I am totally abhorrent of wife-beating and domestic abuse, that is unfortunately so prevalent in this country. But being convicted of slapping your wife? Once in the face, once in the arm? I think it is completely ironic and hypocritical of the media and public to be crucifying this man for actions that occur probably once or twice in a good majority of marriages at some point. Who of us has not watched a film or TV show where a slap (more often by the woman than the man) is used for dramatic or comedic effect? Sivivatu will regret his actions for the rest of his life, but lets not condemn him and finish his international career over a matter that could best be described as a heated argument with his wife.
Leata
Sivivatu is only being targeted because he is an All Black. There are a lot of men that physically and mentally abuse their wives but the rest of New Zealand doesn't know about it! If they are going to shame Sivivatu like this why not do it to all the other men that do the same thing? Then maybe they will be as sorry as Sivivatu is, and no this shouldn't affect his career at all
Scott Harman
After calling the police his wife obviously realised it was not necessary, however once the police arrived they deemed it necessary to make an example out of someone who has served his country more than most new zealand police officers. I am a kiwi living in the U.K and clearly see more now than ever how much of a tall poppy syndrome we have. A slap in arm is nothing, a slap in the face is a matter between him and his wife. Not him his wife, the police, the NZRU, and the self righetous New Zealand public. Leave him alone he may just put us on the map this year.
Paul
I can never figure out why Kiwis continue to venerate rugby players. They play a game that encourages brutal, thuggish behaviour on the field, and then people are surprised when they act the same way off the field. He is a just a meathead that gets paid huge amounts of money to crash into other meatheads. It should have been a $10,000 fine, then it would have been a signal to others in his community and his sport.
Trish
All I have to say is let it go! Yeah it might seem unfair that all he got away with is court costs and $1000 to charity but that's enough isn't it, it's something he's gonna have to live with and he's admitted that he was wrong so what more are you guys asking for? What's done is done and like a couple of views men are victims as well, what if it was the other way round. Just move on people and like Siviatu has asked, respect their privacy...
Agnes Hawke
Good example of the law working well. A 23 year old made a big mistake by reacting physically in a domestic situation and slapping his wife twice. Not OK. While assault charges were laid, he was not convicted. It seems unlikely that the result would have been any different in the circumstances whatever the profession of the person. The circumstances seem to be that it was admitted to, was not in character, did not represent a pattern of abuse and was regretted. The process of having to face up to this charge in court would have been difficult for anyone let alone a public figure and I'm sure would have sent enough of a message to this young man to never make that mistake again. And I think it sends a clear message out in general - assault is taken seriously and you will be called to answer for it. But there is discretion in the law and not every transgression is automatically going to incur the harshest penalty on the books. It just doesn't work that way despite the ridiculous scare campaign a small hard core mob have waged against the 'anti-smacking' bill. You get chances, but you also get sent a message. And anyone who fails to get that message would no doubt be up for harsher treatment should there be a next time. As for continuing to represent NZ - I can't see any problem at all. More is expected of public figures like the All Blacks and because of that the punishment here has been much harsher than it would be for the average citizen who would not have had to face such intense media scrutiny and public shaming. Fair enough. But everyone deserves a second chance, even 'immortals' - and that's an important message to send to the community too. Someone commented that there was probably a good reason for the assault, that sometimes men are victims too. Grow a brain or a spine or something. There are always other options including the option of walking away. Sivivatu may have made a mistake but he's clearly not some loser playing the victim card.
Dave
You cannot now gently smack your children , but rugby players have recently dragged a woman about by her hair and carefully bashed a wife in a fit of rage. Without being admonished. This country is losing it fast , it is all downhill at the moment.
JL
I was totally appalled to learn that the Judge let this guy off without a conviction. What makes him so special? The message being sent to the youth of today is "No worries - if you're a NZ international rep - it's ok to assult someone" - great lesson!! As for you guys who are saying that "men are victims to - consider exactly what percentage of men are victims compared to woman". As for the wife "pleading with the police to drop the charges" - one has to wonder where the pressure came from for her to initiate that action? Makes one wonder - if one of our NZ internationals committed murder , what pretence would they bet let off on? The old saying of "Do the crime - do the time" - doesn't hold much credence really!
Not a sports fan
So how come the other All Black was granted permanent name suppression? His crime was much worse than Sivivatu's! Seems to be a double standard here, why should Sivivatu be made the example? Because its in the best interests of the public? Yeah right!
Don
Of course it should. More worrying is the information that he travels on a Fijian passport. If he is good enough for the All Blacks (ands that is in doubt), he should be man enough to be a New Zealander.
Velma La Roche
No. Just because he is in the public eye should not mean that he not be convicted of assault. As a victim of assault, each and every person who appears in court on this charge should get a conviction if found guilty. There must not be different rules for different people just because it may affect the travel and status of an All Black.
PO
Where is the deterrent for domestic violence? Domestic violence is one of the biggest problems NZ currently faces. Giving your partner a couple of slaps is clearly acceptable in NZ and sadly has been classed as minimal by this particular judge. The Police did the right thing by prosecuting and have been let down by the justice system. I saw Sivivatu leave court smiling and laughing on the news last night, he's really learned his lesson!
Dolly
Sitiveni Sivivatu has admitted his actions, and been dealt with by the courts. All of you do-gooding, interfering know-it-alls who think he should have been dealt with more harshly would be more useful if you got out in the community and actually tried to help people in real strife. We don't know the reality of these types of case coming before the courts, the judge does. What restorative purpose would have been served by convicting him or taking away his livelihood? A marriage destroyed by interfering busybodies, probably. Leave the man and his wife to get on with their lives and sort out their personal issues privately. This type of domestic complaint should be dealt with by the family court, not in the spotlight of the media court.
Jagannatha Suta Das
Why should someone be put above other, just because they play sport! He has proven him self to be less than qualified to represent this country so should be dealt with the same as any other resident of New Zealand. This just proves if you are considered important you will only get a smack on the hand and a dont do it again! Double standards! Any one else would not have been treated so leniently. Come on step up and represent us all equally not asked on who you are or what you do.
Cathie
Violence in NZ is far, far too common these days and no one should be allowed to be excused when committing an injustice against another person, regardless of what stature they hold in this society. You know the old adage don't you - "one thing always leads to another". If a person is allowed to commit violence against another person and not be disciplined due to their status in society, what kind of message do you think this is sending? There seems to be more and more sports stars putting themselves above the law and thinking it is within their right to do as they please. I am sure we only ever hear a portion of these cases because others have been involved. If international sports stars have everything at their beck and call - why don't the hierarchy go back to teaching them to be humble, non violent and set an example to those that really believe in them.
Thomas
Hello? This confirms what I've always suspected about this country--nothing is more important than rugby, including showing respect for your spouse, controlling your emotions and acting like a civilised human being. If Sivivatu were the role model we expect sports figures to be, he would go quietly. Why is it that when a player is videoed using the f-word on the field, everyone is worried about the deleterious impact it will have on the 'children.' This is a lot worse, so where is the outrage?
Jerry
Wouldn't it be better for all concerned if cases like this were kept away from the public? Imagine if a witch-hunt over this caused Sivivatu to be dropped from the World Cup squad and then we lost.
Alanna O'Leary
I think that throwing two chairs at someone constitutes assault and yet his wife has escaped conviction. Why is that?
Jake
What's the problem? Next time Uncle Bully wants some eggs, cook it!
Sean Edwards
I think it is extremely important for the NZRFU to set proper examples of conduct for its employees. If they dont suspend or fine Sivivatu it sends a message that in NZ as long as you are good at rugby violence towards woman is condoned , and I personally think we have enough of a problem with that as it is , NZs macho image will hurt us all in the long run. Rugby should not t be the only thing we care about!
Grant MacLean
As serious as "assault" is, from initial reports "assault" might be an overly strong description. This seems to be an issue that can be dealt with by the family and the courts and, unless the incident was more serious than it appears, that should be the end of it. However, a public statement of apology should also be expected because Sivivatu is idolized by thousands of kids and he needs to admit that striking his wife is not acceptable.
Kiwi Lisa
Think it's perversion of justice that this Sitiveni Sivivatu gets off scot free for bashing up another person, and at that a woman. But when this has, unfortunately, already been done I hope we shall never ever see this guy playing rugby ever again and certainly not as an All Black! If NZRU can't come to the same conclusion about this wife-bashing thug there's something very rotten in New Zealand rugby.
Mac
If I read the article correctly, his wife did not want to press charges. Who's respecting who here?
Nathan Addis
Why is it that when virtually any rugby player commits a violent crime that they walk away untainted by the law of the land? A security guard gets beaten and a prominent All Black walks away smelling like roses with diversion, which when it comes to the deed and justice is really perversion.Then an All Black beats his wife, and so that he can play at the World Cup - so it seems - he gets away without conviction. Meanwhile, the nation is told that it is ok to beat up security guards and wives if you are a national "hero", but don't dare do it if you are lowly pleb as the judge will dish you out a fine and a fair few Saturdays of work for your sins. Hopefully, at some point, corporate New Zealand wakes up and realise that by providing sponsorship revenue to rugby teams in this country, that each corporate sponsor is endorsing this activity. Only when the NZRFU is left financially crippled, will they and their players seemingly learn that this kind of animal behaviour isn't tolerated off the rugby field. Of course, for the NZRFU, they first have to realise, and then secondly accept, that the very nature of their sporting code encourages and endorse barbarianism. This in itself is justification for the severest penalty when incidences occur off the paddock involving rugby players. So which is worse? The fine dodger who is stopped at the gate as he tries to leave the country for a few days holiday? Or the "hero" All Black who is allowed to represent his country - or "perceived" country - to play at the top of his game, despite having committed an assault? So go on Otara, Camberley, and Porirua, punch someone, and become a hero like the All Blacks do!!
Richard
So are we to take it that the New Zealand Justice System supports wife beaters if they are an All Black? How many other people were disgusted at the footage on the news of him walking from the court house laughing and smiling, then putting on a serious look as he approached the press then smiling away as he talked. Pathetic, he had no regret within him, except that he was caught.
Andrew Montgomery
Reprehensible as his confessed behaviour may be - he clearly has more integrity and insight than the fools (police) had in over-riding his wife's wishes not to prosecute. Surely the police have bigger fish to fry. eg the gangs that continue to distribute amphetamine with impunity, the burglars who the police refuse to investigate and so on. It is simply another case of a an idiotic police force that selects easy targets and is too lazy and frightened to pursue real crime. It is absolutely pathetic.
Martin
Join the real world commit an offence pay the price - so what he is an All Black so it gives him immunity from the law - no way. Would the judiciary show the same leniency to other "wife abusers"no they wouldn't. What's the difference between slapping your child and slapping your wife? Nothing.
Cameron
As this is his first offense (for anything) and as it appears to be quite minor he probably deserves some leniency. I don't see why the NZRU should get involved. There aren't any details as to what caused the incident. Maybe she deserved it? Of course you can't say that sort of thing...
Karl Rohde
He is a role model. The consequences of his actions require that he steps down from his role model position. He must resign. Simple really.
FJ
Why should the fact that this person is an All Black gain him an escape from punishment? Assault is assault no more no less! Goodness knows we hear of many incidents that so called "sports people" are alleged or responsible for. If they have immunity from being accountable for their actions what sort of message is being sent here? Plainly, it's not acceptable at all.
M Betham
The message the courts send to the public from this is that sports athletes are above the law. How can the rest of New Zealand advocate against domestic violence when the courts are actually allowing Sivivatu to go free without conviction? Sivivatu has a clean record, but that doesn't mean he hasn't violated any other persons in the same manner - it just means he hasn't been caught yet. And according to New Zealand, he still hasn't. There's two parties who should be angry. Sivivatu's wife, who realises that despite the day and age, women still don't matter as much as men. And every other man who has been convicted of assaulting a female, because if only he had been a sports star, he too would be without conviction. One law for the public, another for the famous? I don't think so. Next, we'll be letting famous murderers who admit they are guilty go free.
CT
Siviatu is not even a Kiwi, he shouldn't be playing in our National team anyway. We should be cultivating our own players. Charge him, then send him packing.
Jesus
Obviously blown out of proportion. People who don't even know exactly what happened ommenting...Pathetic.
Fred
He should not be allowed to represent his team let alone his country. A man who hits a woman at home is not a good example to send out of the country. What if he decides to hit a woman overseas? It's time that the sportsmen and woman lived up to their responsibilites. Nobody involved in fighting should ever be allowed to represent any country - especially New Zealand - we already have a reputation for aggressive drunks who don't know how to behave.
Julz
How is it that a Rugby Player can get away with hitting his wife, but an ordinary Joe Blogg can't? Regardless of who you are whether you be famous or not, you shouldn't be able to get away with it. Why is it one rule for them and one rule for everyone else regardless of who you are or what you do, no-one should be allowed to assault another person.
Behr
I don't think he should have been let off this crime. He did commit a crime he is supposed to be "a role model for children" and is this message you want to send to them. So what if his career would be in jeopardy, this is the price one pays for committing a crime. The message that is been sent here is that if you are an All Black or a very rich business man you can hit your wife and feel safe in the knowledge that you will get off. Very sad day indeed when a judge can't treat this man like every other man in our country who assaults another human being. Siviatu should have his black jersey taken off him, he has no respect for the jersey. The black jersey is a lot more than just the man inside it, it is our country and should be given and worn with the pride, respect & mana it deserves.
Dave Terangi
The shame alone will be enough punishment for Sivivati, and if it costs him his AB place then so be it. Im going to support the ABs in France at the RWC and if he misses selection because of this act it will be a great shame, more so if the ABs fail.
Phil
Yet another example of what a blunt tool the criminal justice system is for dealing with domestic violence. Unless Sitivatu's wife was of a mind to end her marriage there was no way that having her husband charged was going to deliver a worthwhile result. Even then if she had children this method would have failed her as the ultimate result would have been her ex-partner's unemployment and poverty. The criminal justice system seems to be more interested in getting revenge for an injured spouse than it is interested in dealing with the issues of family violence constructively. This is particularly true for Pacific Island families. Not only are they less likely to see marriage as a disposable relationship to be abandoned when things go bad, the complex visa issues which effect many PI families means that prosecution has many unintended side effects. This means that family violence cannot be dealt with in a way that may resolve the situation positively. The upshot of that is an increase in homicides as women realise that calling the police is no solution and then it becomes too late. If this bloke hasn't worked out ways to deal with issues other than going the biff, the next time he does hit his partner, she won't be calling the police as not only will it spell the end of their relationship and the end of her husband's employment, the fact that people around the justice system can't be discreet means that her humiliation will be made public by a scandal hungry media.
Alan Wilkinson
How many wives have slapped their husband and how many have ever been prosecuted? I'd like to see the sanctimonious claptrap from some of these pressure groups balanced by a bit of reality. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. That said, we don't know enough to judge this case. What were the circumstances, how hard was the physical contact and who was the initial aggressor? Only a fool would rush to judgment. There are plenty around these days.
David
Anyone who hits a woman is not a real "man" but more likely an uneducated weak wimp. His behaviour is disgraceful.
Andy
Any man who raises his hand against a woman is not a man but a coward.
This guy should never be allowed to wear an All Black dhirt again. He is a disgrace!
Andrew
When English soccer players Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were accused of beating up a man at a night-club some years ago, even though they were found not guilty, the fact that there reputation was tarnished meant that the England manager decided not to pick them based on their questionable off-field conduct. He didn't want thugs representing the country. Compare that to how we treat the All Blacks over here. Sivivatu has admitted assaulting a woman, and will still be going to the world cup later this year. The guy isn't even a Kiwi for goodness sake. He's spent half his life here and still uses a Fijian passport. Do we really want this man representing the All Blacks? Sadly, most Kiwis will reply "if it means we win the world cup". Celebrities seem to be able to get away with murder these days.
Elaine Coulle
In this country it seems that if you are a sportsman you can do just about what you like and you will get away with it. If I had done what this sportsman has done I would have been sent to jail but as he is a footballer he goes scot free. Why?
Tari
He must have been so upset and frustrated to do such action to his wife. There was a cause and the brother acted just like many other from up here our islands. Siti may be an All Black but he is still a Melanesian.
Marilyn
No it should not have been and as far as I am concerned all the judgment did was send a very clear message to "the people" that if you are a "role model" it is ok to break the law..Hopefully the powers that be in the rugby assoc will display better judgement.
Annette
In the old days physical/mental volence towards your wife was considered a crime towards the community and you were punished accordingly; even put to death. This week a man, an extremely large physically powerful man, gets off , gets a away with attacking and slapping his wife around; and chasing after her to stop her when she is getting away and trying to call the police on him. This man is also high profile and held up as a hero to young boys and girls. The judge in letting him off took into consideration the victim had rung up the police and begged on her husband /attacker's behalf to drop charges. She had apparently decided of her own free will that being stood over and violently physically / psychologically abused was not bad or serious after all. Him and his violence to her were not considered a threat being held over her head. What message is this sending to young folk looking to the leaders of society for moral guidance and examples of appropriate adult behaviour?. It sends a message to be a big man you have to prove yourself by being violent. That something is lacking in you if you don't beat your wife into submission. That if you are bigger and stronger or just more disturbed than your victim it is your right to have sport in attacking and beating them, just for fun or if you want get something from them. Like armed robbery or a street mugging... or pushing drugs on kids.
Imm Irvine
There are 2 sides to ever story - we are only hearing one side. Uncontrolled behaviour is wrong - whether the perpetrator is male or female! I don't know what was said in their argument leading up to the assault - both may be equally culpable. There is such a thing as verbal violence but it is only the physical one we see and hear about. Great there is no name suppression - give him a chance to be contrite. Let's see.
Brett
The punishment he has received with public shame is more than enough. A slap in the face and one on the arm is barely assault! if this is the case then there should assault charges in almost every sport, every week! Imagine it?? If his wife slapped him do you think the news would of even left the house! What is country coming to? PC will shortly mean that calling someone a name will be a chargeable offence!
Kc
I think its an absolute disgrace that he has effectively been let off this assault charge. If he was Joe Smith non all black I doubt he would have got the same leniency. The NZRFU should make a stand and tear up his contract and say that he doesnt embody the spirit or the mana associated with wearing the All Black jersey. But we all know they wont as they only have one thing on their mind that is winning the world cup. They will do anything to win that selecting a Fijian citizen who is a wifebasher in the team wont concern them in the slightest. One final point how can he represent a NZ team the All Blacks if he hasnt even got a NZ passport? I would assume he has been in NZ long enough to qualify for a passport or maybe he doesnt meet the criteria for a NZ Passport which then asks the question how is he eligible to represent NZ?
Tania
This person has a job that is a representative to New Zealand, a role model to children (whether he wants to be or not) and is paid a lot of money for it. I think that regardless of who he is, he should have been charged for assault and given a harsher punishment, even if it was community service. The All Blacks are not above the law, and it is about time that this was recognised. This is not the first time that an All Black has behaved inappropriately - Jerry Collins urinating on the field in front of hundreds of people, yet anybody else would have been arrested.
John
I have been charged with assault because I sprayed wine, like sportsmen do when they pop the cork out of a bottle, and it got on a woman. Should the police have charged me with assault? What is discharge without conviction? Is this the same as diversion. This "all black" has actually physically hit his wife. I didn't lay one finger on anyone. If I end up being found guilt of assault, because this woman is unhappy about being caught in the line of my wine spraying, what does that say about the justice system. Of course, I am not a famous all-black, so I will probably get a conviction, since I have already had diversion for a similar petty incident. But please someone tell me about "discharge without conviction", because I refuse to be financially-abused (paying for a lawyer), as well as physically abused by the police, because I thought they were being ridiculous, when they arrested me, and locked me up.
JL
I was totally appalled to learn that the Judge let this guy off without a conviction. What makes him so special? The message being sent to the youth of today is "No worries - if you're a NZ international rep - it's ok to assult someone" - great lesson!! As for you guys who are saying that "men are victims to - consider exactly what percentage of men are victims compared to woman". As for the wife "pleading with the police to drop the charges" - one has to wonder where the pressure came from for her to initiate that action? Makes one wonder - if one of our NZ internationals committed murder - what pretence would they bet let off on?? The old saying of "Do the crime - do the time" - doesn't hold much credence really!
Len
Here once again we have a public servant, a judge, who clearly doesn't understand their role or job description. He is in the courtroom to adjudicate only. There are set punishments within which the judge can move upon proof of guilt. Here again the judge concerned himself with issues that were none of his business. To suppress the reason for the assault was improper as it was very much a part of it. A man doesn't assault a woman for absolutely no reason, albeit that reason can never be justified. An offender should never have a name suppression after the matter has been heard and guilt established. Again this is outside the job description of the judge. Here once again the judge tried to minimise the crime. Thats not his job. When are they going to learn..
Justin
I do not condone any sort of abuse verbal or bodily. Unfortunately the man in the relationship is not always to blame .I recently tried to make my partner see that our relationship was not working and after years of advocating for peace i finally said "enough" and left. In the interim she became physically violent and i would literally have to restrain her or suffer physical harm. In her desperation to hurt me for wanting to leave she called the police saying I was becoming abusive. The British police were quite prepared to take me away handcuffed! I now know firsthand what a "woman scorned" is capable of.
Mat
Hey may not have been convicted but he's being absolutely crucified by some parts of the media and public. In my opinion thats more of a punishment for someone of his profile than a minor assault conviction anyway. In any case, had he slapped a male, its doubtful whether the police would have been so keen to prosecute, nor the public so quick to judge. What he did was wrong, no doubt. But how about everyone get down off their high horses and leave the man alone. Anyone who claims to have done no worse in their own lives was either born yesterday or a liar.
Rob
So, Sivivatu's punishment is about 2 days work worth given that he is probably paid about $120,000 a year (maybe more). If everyone else was aware they would only forfeit about 2 days pay for such a crime there would be a mass increase in slappings in New Zealand. Too light, too lenient. Make him pay $10,000 and at-least he'd have to think about his actions for a few weeks.
Peter
Much to do has been made about him slapping her. Do I condone it? No. But as a man who was once married to what can only be described as a living nightmare do not try telling me that all women are lily white and innocent and not capable of violent, physical spousal abuse. So far nobody has asked the question of what she might have done to provoke this behaviour. Remember there are always two sides to every coin.
Craig R
No his international rugby career should not have been a factor but really odd thing is how it came before the courts at all when his wife was reluctant to press charges. In a case like this, the discharge is entirely appropriate. For goodness sake there would not be a clean living, churchgoing, non-drinker with no previous convictions (either male or female) in NZ who is not guilty of a similar outburst or action. Lets keep the courts and police time free for the real criminals and stop wasting our time with press fodder like this one.
Daya Nand
Great to see the interest in protecting the abused. Why not carry this further into those who break marriage contracts and cause untold harm to their partners and children. Even politicians are getting away with these violations by writing laws to cover themselves. Time for a clean-up. Invite the Fiji Interim Prime Minister to assist. Think about this issue and act for the sake of the innocent.
Simone
Sweep it under the carpet, pretend it didn't happen. He's an All Black superstar, let him be. It will never happen again with another All Black. And if it does, the courts won't do anything about it anyway. I blame the Police. Why didn't they just turn a blind eye. Yeah! why did they charge him? Don't they support the Rugby
Simon
Why are we always so quick to po