In the most significant development to date at the Cervical Cancer Inquiry in Gisborne, Dr Michael Bottrill has made an appearance and a statement.
The retired pathologist has been shown to have made hundreds of mistaken readings of cervical smears and other cancer slides.
Dr Bottrill says the evidence ofeight women who gave evidence to the inquiry earlier this week was very distressing to him and he'd asked for permission from the inquiry to make today's statement.
In the statement Dr Bottrill spoke briefly about the work done by pathologists and touched on the decision to put his work under review over the past year.
He also spoke about how he has been asked by the media for interviews and says he did not intend to speak until it was his turn to appear before the committee, probably in July.
Dr Bottrill says the woman gave evidence that he had let them down and that he is unknown to them.
He says that is why he wanted to speak on the record to, acknowledge the womens' situation.
In a message to everyone whose life was affected by incorrect reports, he expressed his deepest regret and offered sympathy to them and their family and friends who have supported them.
