KEY POINTS:
Police Commissioner Howard Broad expects his fate to be decided "in the court of public opinion" after revelations that a pornographic movie featuring bestiality was shown at his house early in his career.
Prime Minister Helen Clark says she retains confidence in Police Commissioner Howard Broad. But her reaction also suggests that confidence in Mr Broad is conditional on the revelations being contained.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Sarah (Auckland)
I was at a party a few years ago, coincidentally also at the age of 23 (though not at my own house) at which a clip showing bestiality was played on a PC. I did not watch it, and expressed disgust but took the matter no further. Now working as a public servant should I also be criticized for being placed in the same sitaution as Mr Broad? While bestiality may be a disgusting thing that most of us will choose to take no interest in, these things may happen when you have groups of people together who find different things amusing (anyone who found bestiality sexually arousing, rather than just amusing, would I imagine keep that aspect very definitely to themselves). I would hope that someday, if I were in a similar situation as Mr Broad, that I would not be held responsible for something I did not condone and had no part in, as would most of us!
Ms Auckland
All Kiwis must expect that our Police Commissioner, the top of our law enforcement, is 110 per cent squeaky clean. If not, out he goes. Because, what else can we expect from NZ's top crime catcher than being cleaner than clean.
Huia (Gold Coast Aust)
NZ needs to stop all this insular, myopic self destruction. You have bigger problems to confront then worrying about a bunch of dopey cops watching a dirty video 25 years ago if that is all it was. Try rounding up all the gangs and send them to Iraq so they can put their "unique abilities" to work. That way they can show the world how tough they are, being paid mercenaries doing security work. Earning a few bucks, enhancing the tough guy reputation,what a buzz…
John (Auckland)
We have all committed youthful indiscretions that would deeply embarrass us if they were revealed over two decades later. Mr Broad has had to undergo this public humiliation - unlike other recent high-profile cases, there are no victims, no rape, physical/sexual abuse, no perverting the law by trying to hush-up a violent act against another person. Mr Broad is needed to complete the long-overdue transformation of attitudes in certain sectors of the police. I agree with the Prime Minister - he has my support.
Tai Tokerau
I don't see why he should lose his job. After all. this happened over 25 years ago. Should we keep punishing those for "crimes" committed all those years ago? Unless he is awful at his job - there is no other reason for him to lose it.
Raj Subramanian
I agree with Ms.Helen Clark on this issue. Broad seems to be talking straight. At this point of time it is not advisable to take him off this important job of putting police into proper systems. Any let off will give a wrong signal to erring Police personnel.
Kevin O´Brien
As Broad has to judge other officers, he too, has to be judged. More importantly is the context and allegations that this offensive behaviour was prevalent in Dunedin and other places for some years. Broad appears tainted and we should have a senior UK officer appointed to head the force while it is thoroughly scrutinised from top to bottom. If the police lose their moral authority we are close to lawlessness.
Mo
Its senseless accusation. Lets give the guy another chance to redeem himself. He was 23yrs at the time of the incident and all of us need to have another chance to make up for. NZ media is boring and sound like judgmental to everything also incompetent to broadcast the good material for NZders to enjoy. We need more comedy, drama, global sports like football and basketball on NZ TV. Stop snitching others trying their best to make up the mistake they have done. What the hell is wrong with these media people creating all fuss? Miss Helen you have done the right decision to keep him there. Well done.
Dad4justice (Canterbury)
What about the Parliament Ministers - who knew all about this disgusting police culture ? Surely that is more of a concern for bewildered constituents ?
Danny
I feel we are getting a bit too carried away when judging the police. If we start wanting police you have never done anything they now regret we are going to have a very small police force. I have watched the odd blue movie as a young man with my mates. Does that mean I could not now be a police officer? I once or twice did more the 100km on the open road. Does that mean I am out for that as well? The last thing I want to see in NZ is police who are whiter than white. If my some kids over step the line I want an officer who has been there done that to be there. Maybe we should just add to the job description, must be fit, and be eligible for sainthood.
Dave (Auckland)
Another incident confirming we are just a pathetic little South Pacific outback backwater! Try living in virtually any other country & compare their police & authority systems with ours! Our media is full of sad sensationalists who have pathetically large egos. Let's start investigating some of their backgrounds.We need our Police, we need to grow-up & accept that everyone has a history & that paying for past indiscretions shouldn't be a lifetime job! Get in behind the Police & realize just how damn difficult the weirdoes/media/professional stirrers/crims are making their job. And finally, who do we all turn to when we are assaulted, get burgled, have a relative raped or murdered or expect safety at night or in an area where gangs dominate....not the media, not the politicians or the crims!
Treetop (Manawatu)
Broad does not get my vote. When Mr Broad accepted the position of police commissioner he knew that leadership had to come from the top because of police culture which needed to be exposed. Mr Broad now finds himself in a position of being exposed for being part of an unhealthly police culture. When Dame Margaret's report into police culture was released Mr Broad himself said that he was part of the police drinking culture. Yesterday Mr Broad said, "I feel like an abused party." (Not nice feeling victimsed is it, Mr Broad, you now have some insight into how it feels). Today it is quoted that Mr Broad said, "he had forgotten about the incident and that he expects his fate to be decided "in the court of public opinion." It was unwise of him to have accepted the top job because a holier than though leader is required at this particular time, not a leader who will further undermine an already morally fragile police force. Dame Margaret's report into police culture was only the beginning.
Christchurch
Well its plain and simple he should keep his job and not be scrutinised. NZ needs to just settle down and stop complaining! I listen to talk back all the time and some of the calls are just ridiculous. These people who think they are God's gift to everything who never do anything wrong! They are just so high and mighty about everything and every one its annoying. Take a look back and think of the stupid things you have done. I bet there's worse things you have done than watching such a video. Even if you wont admit it. so take a second breath and look after your own affairs and stop worrying what happened ages ago. He still does his job doesn't he? Has he ever been caught having relations with animals? No, I didn't think so! So give him a break.
Le Fox
Apart from these loathsome whistle blowers having very long memories, other sensible people should ask these vicious ignobles to seek medical assistance. These people have stored that information up for over 20 years so as to eventually bring down a tall poppy & make some dubious cash for their trouble.I feel very disappointed in that type of behaviour. Those type of people with that type of agenda disgust me.
James
I am sick to the back teeth of muck raking media and their never-ending witch-hunt. On the whole the police do a good job in what is a very difficult occupation. I think that the allegations of police misconduct regarding serial rape was something that needed to be bought to public attention, but then that went too far when every single sordid detail came out of the woodwork for the public to scrutinise. I often wonder which is worse, the acts themselves or the media's absurd fascination with them. I don't condone pornography involving bestiality, but this involves a tiny misdemeanor over 20 years ago. Let it rest and let the police do concentrate on their job rather than having to defend one petty allegation after another.
Scott
Once again the New Zealand Police is portrayed publicly with another Incriminating scene of utter disrespect. To form a relationship with the public sector, is once again tarnished by a "top cop" being named in another pornographic scandal. It takes two parties to gain respect. That being in the news, that the police try to gain the peoples trust however is blatantly once again removed by this story. Is it true that Howard Broad, came out and publicly announced this for the best intentions or is it because he knew he had no choice as it was about to be released. Once again, a once known trustworthy police force is again is in the spotlight at being non-trustworthy. No wonder why they have lost all respect. They complain that no one respects the police, but they have to remember that to have respect they have to gain it first.
Jyee
Mr Broad holds one of the most difficult and important jobs within this country - ensuring all of our safety. At the end of the day we are all New Zealanders, whom share a great sense of national pride and respect the determination and grit inherent within our culture. Mr Broad reminds us of what it is to be a true New Zealander - down to earth, "real" and not afraid to stand up for what we believe in. Everyday Mr Broad is standing up for all of us, and I for one want to know that there is someone with that passion to stand up for me and my rights as a New Zealander. Why should any of us suffer from those small mistakes we made when we were young and powerless to do anything about them. It can't be an easy job, how about we give him a break and let him focus on what's important - protecting us!
Auckland
So he watched a dirty video in his own home with a group of men, 26 years ago!! So what! Come on NZ Herald the fact that you put this on the front page as news speaks very poorly of your newspaper!
Anne (Auckland)
I don't think Mr Broad should go at this point. What he did at 23, if it was not his decision and has not been repeated, is probably irrelevant now. None of us is perfect or lives in a vacuum and I do not judge him for that. However, good on Investigate Magazine and Ian Wishart. This appears to be one of the scarce, if not the only, sources of truth in the country.
Ivan Robins
How come we still have men in the police force anyway? This is New Zealand you know.
Morals for NZ
The Police commissioner should stand down immediately for even allowing such a movie to be shown at his house and anyone in support of him staying on should look at what that portrays to them as individuals, society and voters in the next election should recall these decisions when election time comes around again.
Nick (Auckland)
Particularly given the man's age at the time, and the fact that he had no direct involvement in what happened, it is ridiculous to chastise him. The culture that has developed in New Zealand of summarily demanding resignations left-right-and-centre has to end.
Scotty from the South
I am afraid sex with animals is very illegal and how many landlords have had the excuse: "I did not know they were growing dope in the house, I am just the landlord/owner" laughed out of court? The NZ police do not accept that as an excuse, therefore Broad should not extend it as one. This was a highly illegal act, Broad has some responsibility for it, and should therefore, fall on his sword like the gentleman he purports to be.
Colleen
Of course he should keep his job! The behaviour of journalists to go to these sorts of lengths is nothing short of behaving like a rat in a sewer. The guy does a fantastic job, you people need to go and find some other stories of interest, why cant you publish the good they do!
Colleen
The man is human after all. The sooner people, like the Herald stop focusing of people just being human, the sooner the public will have more faith in the police. How many of us could do their jobs? Not many! NZ is the only country in the world where the criminals and under dogs of society have more of a say and power over justice.
Swanson
There is no question: Police Commissioner Howard Broad must go. To follow him must be a new commissioner drawn from outside the current police force, preferably a strong woman with a civil service or armed forces background . The police force needs a full clean-out, from Broad down.
Mary
I don't care who they are or what position they now hold in the community. There's no place in a decent society for adults of any age who gain pleasure from either physically participating in, or watching and thereby supporting acts of bestiality. Those who indulge in such a vile, cruel and disgusting activity as this, are filthy, perverted deviants who need to be removed from society once and for all.
pCb (Auckland)
Look at the publication making the accusations (won't say anymore but anyone with more than 2 brain cells will know what I mean). Most people (coppers included) suffer the same old human frailties we all do and this indiscretion tacky though it was doesn't rank quite as high. Finally to all those with the spotless halos - who hasn't done something they aren't ashamed of (especially when they were in their early 20s). Broad has come out and admitted it, a behaviour many of our leaders should aspire to .
The donkey
Now I know who pinched my video. Get a life some of you journalists. A footy get together was always going to degenerate into sumfin silly. This was it, just a laff.
Paula Weir
For goodness sake the incident happened years ago so it should be over and forgotten. Yes, the video was repulsive and immoral, and the majority of people would never entertain any form of pornographic material as being acceptable, the fact is he was not even watching the video. New Zealand has a very unforgiving attitude to minor indiscretions, and often those that judge the harshest are guilty of far more serious offences. It would be a shame to lose our commissioner now, and in fact I am pleased he is just human and makes mistakes like the rest of us and is honest enough to admit that. I think if anything the public should respect him more for not trying to deny anything occurred.
Lesley (North Shore)
I honestly don't know why this is even being mentioned so many years later, it's all a bit of a storm in a teacup in my opinion. Just let the guy get on with his job. Who cares whether he watched a dirty movie or not?
Mark (Central Auckland)
I do not believe that the police deserve the supposedly bad reputation that they have. My dealings with the police have left me to believe that they are a dedicated group of people, with nothing but good intentions for the people of New Zealand. it must be remembered that they have to deal with situations everyday, that the rest of the people in NZ maybe deal with once in a life time, if at all. Police like any of us, will make a mistake from time to time and learn from these mistakes.It is up to us to show a dash of mercy. As we would also like others to be merciful toward us. No one is perfect yet, It might be nice if the media in general started reporting some of the great things, police and other social services have done for New Zealand, to give balance and truth to the situation, rather than pin pointing the negative and blowing it up to appear that the negative is in fact the full and only picture , when indeed it is not. Praise to the police and other services that work with difficult social, and often violent situations.
Shaun Palanieappan
I think we are going overboard with is. So what if he had watched a porno movie? For goodness sake, that was done when he was 23! If he had complained he would have been victimised and kicked out of the force. Please stop being hypocritical. Those who are complaining please put your energy into something worthwhile and productive.
Peter Gilling
In light of the recent problems with police culture and the need for leadership from the top to clean it the Police Commissioner should resign.
Eric West
Will this hurt Mr Broad? Yes, of course it will, there are sufficient numbers of the "holier than thou" PC Brigade to ensure that it will. Should it hurt Mr Broad? No, of course not. In the context of the time, this type of thing was by no means an unusual thing to happen in Rugby circles in 1981. If he is to be believed, and nobody suggests he should not be, Mr Broad was not present at the time and expressed his anger and disgust upon becoming aware of it. That, at the time, was the approach which would have been taken by the common man. It may not be what we would do now, but we have matured a bit since then, I am sure Commissioner Broad's attitude to the matter would be very different today, because that is the way things are now. But that does not, retrospectively, make what he did then, wrong.
Oh My
This "police bashing moral panic" is starting to get ridiculous. Since when has pornography been illegal? I have heard of army officers getting up to far more "immoral" behaviour at parties in recent times, let alone 20 or so years ago. This is just another example of how things have gotten out of hand with the media in this country, come on guys, please give us some real news, no more shoddy tabloids!
Murray
After what one constable did to my daughter and her children three years ago, it would be very easy to play the Shylock, go for my pound of flesh and say no way should Commissioner Broad keep his job. But there is a bigger picture. If we go with the scum media "Investigate' and demand our pound of flesh every time a mistake made 25 years ago comes to light then we as a country are in a sad state. Although I would never vote for Helen, I have to agree with her on this one. Comissioner Broad should keep his job. He like many will have learnt a lesson, and now he is doing his best for his undervalued Police Force. To Ian Wishart and Investigate, get off the grass, smell the flowers, concentrate on something of more value, such as the damage gangs and their leaders are doing, and always remember, "What goes round comes round." Hopefully you are Lily-white Ian.
Gavin (Brisbane)
I commend the bloke for not ducking for cover and at least being honest about it all. It was 26 years ago, he did nothing wrong, case closed, let it go!! This obsessive witch hunt of the NZ police is ridiculous.
Martin
Fire Him Helen! It is a crime against the NZ people, an affront to women and he broke the law by hosting the bestiality movie in his home. No excuses and don't try and normalise it.
Phil (Bucklands Beach)
At what point are we going to stop letting righteous scandal mongers (Ian Wishart) create a profile for themselves by vilifying some poor public servant. Had poor Mr Broad provided the tape and managed its screening I would have an entirely different view. However I doubt there are many of us that have held a party where some questionable behaviour did not occur, often without our knowledge at the time. I suspect the people who are squealing the loudest in all of this are the same ones who bemoan the poor state of morale in our police force.I have good deal of respect for Mr Broad and how he has handled his often difficult job, save the news headlines for the big stuff.
AJ
"I could have stood on my high horse but the way I see myself is that I'm an ordinary New Zealander who happens to be doing an extraordinary job. Best he leaves his horse out of it at this stage.
Paul
I would sack him and his regime and streamline the whole force. Get rid of the rear echelon who fly desks, get down and dirty with a tough no holds barred attitude to criminals. There are too many nandy pandy types with no guts.
Over it (Auckland)
Get over it. How can this be of interest to anyone? Are there not other more important issues to concern ourselves with? Who cares what he did when he was 23 way back in the 80s? Honestly, if we pursue him for a resignation we are a more pathetic nation than I could have ever believed. Instead of ensuring he wastes his time defending himself let him get on with the matter of sorting out the police force, 111 system, drink driving, gang crime. You know, those little things that matter.
Mrs Larking
No one is perfect. But what is of paramount importance here, is that he admitted his wrongdoing straight-away. No cover-up. That is what is of paramount importance here. Also he offered his resignation straight away. That shows integrity and guts. Given the context, of only being 23, and who hasn't had a party, where "others" turn up with their bad-taste selves.....the PM did the right thing in not accepting the resignation. He offered his resignation, and that sets a very important precedent. He didn't hide/cover-up, and was prepared to take the consequences. Good PR all round.
Howee (Auckland)
If we as a society, spent as much time chasing criminals as we do chasing the police we would have a very low crime rate.
Stacey
This is pathetic. Give the guy a break, he's done nothing wrong. Journalists must be desperate for news at the moment to be making such a big deal about this.
Adam
Someone appears to be doing a hatchet-job on the top police officers in New Zealand but the surprising thing is how easy these officers are making it. Rapes, bestiality tapes, group sex, truncheon sex etc. If bestiality tapes are illegal, he should walk and if they aren't, well it's still not nice is it?
Chieftain
Why is this even a story? Generally our Police do a good job. There have been some weasels wearing uniform, sure. Some even went to gaol, and some so completely destroyed their credibility that they will never be able to serve again. But watching a porno flick in 1981 -- tho' showing questionable taste and judgment -- is not on the same scale of offending as rape. Our top cop will be feeling rather silly right now: good, he deserves to. His "chicken" has come home to roost. There is no requirement for him to lose his job: that's just an expensive exercise that serves no purpose and achieves nothing. I imagine the lesson has been learned. Time to move on, folks... nothing happening here.
Leslee
At 23, Broad knew what he was doing and he would have been a part of it along with all his untouchable police mates. Once in the police force they believe they are untouchable and beyond the law…
Toni
If he groped a policewoman, we should care. If a video was shown in the privacy of his home whether he watched or not, why should we care? I would like to know how this affects his capabilities to do his job effectively. Come on NZ don't we really have more urgent matters to deal with.
Migrant
What a joke, this is the same police we are supposed to have confidence in? Once again it's not surprising that the buddy system applies with Helen, Dr Cullen etc backing Broad. I say go on and reveal the real NZ police. They are so good at character assassination of innocent people its high time there's a shake up in the police force. I have zero sympathy for such behaviour from the NZ police.
Brendan
This incident happened over quarter of a century ago. What purpose does this sort of "revelation" serve? None! thats what. Children dying, families are struggling, the economy is on the road the ruin and Investigate is publishing the stories that matter. Yeah right.
Michael
Nothing surprise me. It seems a police culture for long long time. The rotten root needs to remove in order to fix the real problem.
Auckland
Give him a break. Good on him for facing up to it and admitting it. It was video others put on, he wasn't engaging in group sex or sex with batons etc so let it ride.
Greg Shanaghan
Howard Broad should resign at the same time as the rest of us who have transgressed some way 30 years ago.. we need get over ourselves and live in today.
Joseph
What gets me is that the bestiality tape revelations are as nothing compared to other revelations in the Investigate article. The article makes shocking allegations about police and MPs and stories of rape, kidnap, violence and intimidation and yet the mainstream media have only picked up on the story about the bestiality tape which is probably the least of the revelations. Most of the public will see that on the news and think that that's all that is at stake here when there is much, much worse that should be reported and looked into. Come on media, do your job properly and don't let these guys off the hook.
Rodney
The commissioner has to go. As head of the Police and someone who represents the standards of the police he must set a standard which other officer should follow. The police has now truly lost all credibility, where is this country going!
David McMenamin
Mr Broad has done a fine job so far. This is no more than grubby little tabloid trying to sell rubbish. Why has it even made to the Herald?
WSF (Gulf Harbour)
What was that saying again? "yeah, right!" I suppose next we will hear "well, yes, I did smoke a joint when I was a young cop, but I did not inhale!" Wishart reckons Broad's rendition is wrong. I hope Wishart is wrong. We have been waiting a long time for a real cop at the top, instead of the political toadies we have suffered for years now. Howard Broad is doing a good job working to fix a very broken and run down machine. If he stays then let's get behind him and push for a Police Force driven by the need to get the job done, rather than it focusing on revenue gathering and cost cutting. If the Police don't have the resources then I expect Broad to speak out publicly. We desperately need a Commissioner to represent and protect the law abiding public in this country, not wait with the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. I hope there is no more dirt on this fellow. Having said that, if it is good enough for Police to prosecute people for crimes committed 20 and 30 years ago it is good enough for their own conduct of those days to come under scrutiny.
Dave Feilding
What a waste of time. I notice that none of the media are dragging out the misbehaviour of editors when they were journalists (and I do not believe that all media journalists were innocent cherubs in the 1980s and 1990s). It is time for the media to behave in a mature manner. We do not need such a disgustingly low standard of journalism in this country. Maybe it is time for legislative regulations on the media industry since they obviously cannot control themselves.
Trevor
This is an unfortunate incident, which has once again cast disparages upon our police force. However, let he/she without sin, cast the first stone. We are all guilty of some or other "wrong doing" however most of us don't get our photos and stories in the newspapers and tabloids. It is typical of the tall poppy syndrome, which prevails in this country. If the occurrence was a one off, then leave the man alone - he has enough to contend with trying to cope with all the other issues which will hopefully be resolved and then he can get on with his job which is protect us!
Richard
I personally feel with all the bad publicity the police have been getting that there needs to be some fresh blood running the police force, until such a time there will be little respect or trust for a police force run by the old boys. Personally I feel it is time to shop overseas for someone to run the police force.
Counties Manukau
Yes Mr Broad will suffer. He went found himself immersed in a particularly misogynistic culture of the NZ police force as a young man and decided to join it instead of beat it. He would have been following the example and standards set of his senior officers and felt strongly compelled to join in their offensive behaviour towards women in general. That, though, is no excuse.. How can we trust him now?
Lars
Sorry but I honestly cant see what the fuss is all about. Did Howard Broad commit bestiality ? No. Did he rape anyone? No. Has he killed anyone? No. Should he lose his job ? No. Why is this even news?
This is a case of political correctness gone crazy. Someone showed a dirty video at a rugby party 25 years ago in his house without his knowledge so what? Just another case of the left leaning PC media having a pop at the police and conducting some idiotic witch-hunt.
What the police need is the support and backing of the NZ public and some fair and non biased reporting by the anti police NZ Media.
Auckland City
Another nail in the coffin for the Police service. Can we please have a royal commission inquiry into the conduct of the police. From the Chief Commissioner to the Assistant right to the constable, we now require an inquiry into police conduct. I pay my taxes which pays for police officer salaries and I want an investigation into police standards and conduct. The NZ police are turning into a laughing stock around the world. My UK friends called me from London and were all having a joke about our Police.
Mike Jones
This accusation shows that the crap really does flow from the top down, Broad has put the credibility of the entire Police force in jeopardy. Not that it wasn't already. Anyone who says there isn't a wall of silence or that police don't protect their own is deluded and living in a fantasy world, Every company and organisation has its little secrets, seems like Broads secret got out. As the host of his party, he is responsible for what goes on at his party, if someone smokes in a bar, the bar gets fined, if someone plays a bestiality movie in a house, shouldn't the host of the party receive some form of punishment too? The fact that someone had the bestiality movie on them is just disturbing in itself, the fact that Broad is associating with such people is even worse. Step down Broad and do the country a favour. Wwe are enough of a global laughing stock as it is, we don't need our own "law enforcers" to add the clown shoes and red nose.
G. O'Neill
What? A porno movie in 1981? What would that be like? Probably not like the porno movies you can rent in any one of New Zealand's top hotels. Get over yourselves or let the Exclusive Brethren take over.