Ex-speaker sued by child over Parliament protest music
During the occupation, Mallard used the speaker system to play music and the sprinklers to try and deter protesters and move them on from the lawn.
The lawyer for the child, Tudor Clee, confirmed to RNZ the case was filed at the High Court in Wellington, naming the attorney-general and speaker as defendants.
Clee said the case was in its very early stages and would be before a judge for its first call over on July 7 to deal with the name suppression, given the client is a minor.
The case sought a declaration that the child's rights were breached, as well as damages of $40,000 for three separate breaches.
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Clee said Mallard was being sued for two breaches of the Bill of Rights — the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel treatment and the freedom of association.
The third was a tort — a civil wrong — claiming misfeasance in public office, where a public officer intentionally abused their power, causing harm to another person.
The lawyer said this was an unusual claim to file but covered the intentional use of what he described as "military torture techniques" when Mallard set up loudspeakers to prevent protesters resting and sleeping.
Lawyers for the attorney-general and the speaker of the House have been approached for comment.
rnz.co.nz
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She was flourishing, started her own business, got her driver's license, doing more for herself. Growing her new business. He brought nothing to the table. She was financially supporting the household. All this would have affected his ego. We believe he was a narcissist that had to have the last say." She recalls seeing her husband and other whānau after they saw Maxine in her casket. "They were motionless, some needed air, nobody had words. I just remember being held tight by my husband. All he said in my ear was 'it's bad don't go in'. "I can't imagine what she went through, the pain, the fear, the disbelief that somebody she loved could be doing this to her. She would have been thinking of her children, if they would be safe. It chokes us up to think of her pain and her last moments were in fear fighting for her life." Maxine Puhi's brother says he struggles to accept his sister's death one year on. Photo: Supplied She believes there are a lot of women "suffering in silence". "If women experience any form of abuse the first time, believe what you see. Really see that man for who he is and ultimately know that you can't change him and that's OK, it's not your job to. "Know your worth, have a plan and leave before the manipulation sets in and you're repeating the cycle all over again." The family remained in "absolute devastation," Dean says. "We struggle every day to accept it. "We are so furious at [him] and so angry he stole her youth and now in his final act he took her life. He is an absolute coward. "Maxine gave him two beautiful kids, stood by him and protected him and financially provided for the household." Maxine was a "beautiful, trusting soul", he says. "She was a mother, a sister, niece, a cousin and friend. She didn't deserve her life to be cut short." Following Maxine's death, Tenniel wrote a tribute to her sister-in-law. It ended with a clear message. "Maxine deserved so much more: more years, more love, more laughter. Her children deserved their mum. We will never stop missing her. Her light was stolen too soon, but we will keep it alive by telling her story and speaking the truth. We Love you, Maxine. You will never be forgotten." Sexual violence Family violence Mental health If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
