Former Aircraftwoman Exposes Inequities in NZDF Complaint System, Sparking Reopening of Investigation
Former leading aircraftman Nicole Leger recently shed light on the discrepancies in the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) complaint system, raising questions about the way her own case was handled. Leger, who received a severe reprimand at her court martial earlier this year, exposed what she called the hypocrisy of the armed forces’ handling of complaints.
During her trial, Leger compared the treatment she received as a victim of sexual assault to the leniency shown towards her perpetrator. She highlighted how her complaint was subjected to a lengthy two-year investigation while the subject of her complaint faced no punishment. Leger expressed her frustration with the unequal treatment and the toll it took on her mental well-being.
Following Leger’s public revelations about her case, the NZDF decided to reopen its investigation into the matter. This led to the sergeant involved being taken to a summary trial where he was found guilty of common assault and received a reprimand. However, unlike Leger’s court martial, his trial was not widely publicized by the NZDF.
Leger, who has since returned to Canada, expressed her belief that the divergent handling of the two cases discourages more women from reporting incidents. She argued that if her complaint had not received public attention during her trial, it may not have been properly investigated.
While Leger did not think the sergeant should have been court martialled, she criticized the lack of respect shown towards her in the way her complaint was handled. She found it ironic that the NZDF’s harassment policy, titled Operation Respect, did not align with her experience.
After making a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission, Leger received an apology letter from Colonel Jason Dyhrberg, the superior commander of the unit she served in. The letter acknowledged the procedural errors made in handling Leger’s complaint and the distress it caused her. It also recognized the NZDF’s commitment to addressing such behavior and commended Leger for bravely coming forward.
Leger appreciated the apology but regretted having to involve external organizations to receive it. She mentioned that she had been the only person in her unit to receive a thank you for her service, which added to her frustration.
In her pursuit of justice, Leger’s experience revealed the need for the NZDF to remain vigilant in addressing unacceptable behaviors. She hoped that her case would prompt positive changes and ensure that victims are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.
Despite the closure she felt receiving the apology letter, Leger highlighted the need for improving the handling of complaints within the NZDF. The acknowledgement of past mistakes brought some relief, but it also emphasized the importance of preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Although Leger’s journey has been arduous, her determination to shed light on the flaws in the NZDF’s complaint system has sparked a reopening of the investigation and initiated conversations surrounding the treatment of victims within the armed forces. As her story continues to make waves, it remains to be seen how the NZDF will respond to these revelations and work towards establishing a more equitable and supportive environment for all its members.
