Associate
Education Minister David Benson-Pope has been stood down from
cabinet while allegations that he physically abused students when
he was a teacher are investigated.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said Benson-Pope was standing down at
his own request while an independent investigation was conducted
into the credibility of the allegations.
The allegations were originally made in parliament on Thursday by Act leader Rodney Hide and National's Judith Collins about Benson-Pope's time teaching at Dunedin's Bayfield High School. Benson-Pope claims he stands for zero tolerance to bullying.
"Will he resign as minister if it transpires that yes indeed he did throw tennis balls at his students in the classroom, and...tie their hands up and stuff tennis balls in their mouth(s)?" Hide asked in parliament last week.
"I refute the allegations that are being made...and if the member has any information he should take that to the police," replied Benson-Pope. He also refuted allegations from Collins that he made struck a pupil with his hand at a school camp.
Clark said an independent investigation will be conducted into the credibility of the allegations. She has asked the solicitor-general Terence Arnold for advice in the form of the inquiry.
Three
former pupils went public with their stories on Monday
night which back the claims. Another two
provided written statements.
Benson-Pope said he has not been guilty of any inappropriate
behaviour in his 24 years as a teacher. The former students are
based in Perth and in Dunedin.
