What Prebble told the Prime Minister

Dear Prime Minister,

Allegations of rape, sex with a minor and sex with a person under care and protection regarding Hon Dover Samuels

Mr Rodney Tregerthan has been to see me regarding his niece who he states was raped by the Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Samuels.

Mr Tregerthan says her mother, Beverley Rako, was told of these events for the first time last Christmas.

He says the mother has a history of drugs and alcohol abuse and has served a number of years in prison.

Her daughter ran away from home at age 14 and went to live with Mr Samuels, who is a relative. She alleges that when she was 15 Mr Samuels raped her, and when she became pregnant, arranged for her to have an abortion.

He picked her up from the clinic, drove her to the Rob Roy Hotel, dropping her off in the car park. She haemorrhaged and her mother found her there some time later.

As a result of the abortion and an infection, she is unable to have children.

It's Beverley Rako's opinion that her daughter has suffered deep psychological and emotional damage.

Beverley Rako has sought redress for her daughter, contacting a number of people, including the Labour Deputy Whip Mr Chris Carter.

I am advised that Mr Carter, after initially being sympathetic, has threatened Beverley Rako, claiming she is seeking to extort.

I am advised on or about January 27, Beverley Rako met Mr Samuels at the Miriam Centre and that Mr Samuels admitted that he had had sex with the girl and organised the abortion.

Beverley Rako put to him that her daughter needed assistance, far greater than ACC will provide.

Beverley Rako confronted Mr Samuels again at Waitangi. I am told that at that meeting he agreed to set up a trust fund within 14 days. This has not happened.

It appears your Government has been aware of these allegations for over five months.

I have told the daughter to seek legal advice.

She has repeated the allegations and also advised me that Mr Samuels has threatened her.

Your duty is clear.

You should set up a formal inquiry and the girl should be offered legal aid.

Hon Richard Prebble, CBE