Police have lost a vital report that could have led to criminal prosecutions of some of those responsible for the Cave Creek tragedy.
Gary Reid, whose daughter De Anne was one of 14 people who died when the Cave Creek viewing platform collapsed plunging 30m to a rocky chasm floor onthe West coast in 1995, has failed in his efforts to obtain a copy of the report.
NZPA also attempted to receive a copy of the report prepared by former Christchurch detective inspector Kevin Burrowes, who has since left the police force.
Mr Burrowes has told NZPA he had suggested in his report on the tragedy that several people could be charged with criminal negligence for the faulty construction of the platform which led to the 14 deaths.
The platform was built near Punakaiki, north of Greymouth, without a building consent and in breach of the Building Code and the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
It collapsed on April 28, 1995, killing 13 students from Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth and a Doc field centre manager.
Mr Burrowes said this week his report was extensive, supported by graphs and documents, and recommended prosecution.
"I felt gutted by what I saw at Cave Creek and felt someone had to be held accountable for it," Mr Burrowes told the National Business Review today.
"It was a b***** disgrace for someone to get away with it."
NZPA sought his report under the Official Information Act on July 18 last year.
Canterbury police district commander John Reilly told NZPA on August 22 last year that the report could not be found.
A police legal adviser Ian McArthur wrote to NZPA before Christmas to say he could not find the report.
"I am disappointed to say that it appears that the report you seek has been removed from the file," he said.
Mr Burrowes said he submitted his report to Mr McArthur who made recommendations that supported his opinion.
