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Why should justice be available only to the rich? #justiceforher

  • Update: Craig unable to appeal to the Supreme Court

      11 September 2021

    We have been unable to give meaningful updates for a while, but there is some good news... As many of you may have seen in the media over the past few days, Colin Craig has been told he can’t challenge the High Court ruling that he sexually harassed Rachel. Craig has taken his appeal case all the way to the Supreme Court. In a decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court said it would not allow Craig’s challenge.

    Donations towards her very high legal costs to date are still welcomed, and we are extremely grateful for all your contributions and support to date. We have today launched a NEW Givealittle fundraiser which you can find here:

    https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-end-years-of-abuse-for-rachel-macgregor

    We are endeavouring to organise a personal update from Rachel over the next few days. She is feeling relieved, and resting.

    Here is Alison Mau's Sunday article in Stuff that covers the events and some of the broader concerns regarding justice:

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300404914/colin-craig-case-underlines-major-flaws-in-legal-system

    Please note the High Court's decision on damages is still pending.

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  • Craig V Slater Decision Released

      25 October 2018

    The Rachel MacGregor Trust welcomes the decision of Justice Toogood published today which found Colin Craig ‘guilty of moderately serious sexual harassment of Ms MacGregor, on multiple occasions from early 2012 to 2014’.

    The decision relates to a proceeding heard in May 2017 between Colin Craig and Cameron Slater (Craig v Slater [2018] NZHC 2712). Mr Craig sued Mr Slater for defamation and Mr Slater counter-sued Mr Craig. Ms MacGregor was not a party to these claims but was subpoenaed to give evidence.

    Justice Toogood found that Mr Craig overstepped any boundary which might have been appropriate for an employer in his communications to an employee.

    ‘Mr Craig did not demonstrate, at any point in his evidence in this proceeding, any understanding of the difficulties created for an employee by an employer’s expression of intense feelings of emotional engagement and sexual longing. He never acknowledged the possibility that Ms MacGregor may have felt she could not protest about, and was obliged to tolerate, sexually charged language and conduct for fear of losing her employment or failing to meet her employer’s expectations.’

    The decision, which is more than 200 pages long, finds Mr Craig was defamed by Mr Slater in five untrue statements. But the Court awards Mr Craig no damages.

    The Trust and Ms MacGregor are still awaiting a decision in Mr Craig’s claim against her (and her counter-claim). A decision is not expected for some months.

    Ms MacGregor is deeply grateful to everyone who has donated to the Trust towards the legal fees she is facing.

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  • Two Thirds Towards our Target - Woohoo!

      3 October 2018

    Rosamund Edwards of the Rachel MacGregor Trust updates on the progress of fundraising and the latest from the court case.

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  • Rachel MacGregor

      29 September 2018

    Rachel gives a short update from outside the High Court on Friday. If you were having issues viewing this video earlier, you should now be able to view it!

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    • 03/10/2018 by Hannah

      this video doesn't work

    • 03/10/2018 by Rosamund

      Hi Hannah, sorry to hear the video isn't working. It's working here, so I'm not sure of the issue - perhaps internet? It's actually hosted on YouTube so you can find it at https://youtu.be/CX_eryA6uvQ

  • Update from the High Court

      27 September 2018

    One of our trustees, Nicola Taylor, gives an update from outside the High Court on Thursday morning.

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  • Just over halfway there!

      24 September 2018

    We are just over half-way to our goal and we have all - especially Rachel! - been blown away by the kindness, and the strong sense of justice, shown by so many ordinary New Zealanders. You are all the best!

    Rachel has been through a lot and had really reached desperation point, but as your donations have come in, we have seen her confidence rise. She was able to walk into the High Court yesterday with her head held high, knowing that so many Kiwis are behind her. The money is important but so are your wonderful comments, best wishes, and words of support. You have made a massive difference.

    Today is day two of the two-week trial and you might have read in the news yesterday that Colin Craig has withdrawn his claim for damages.

    This DOES NOT mean he is no longer suing Rachel - it just means he will no longer be claiming she owes him $320,000 in damages if he wins. The trial is going ahead, and it is still likely that this hearing will last two full weeks. Rachel still needs to defeat his claim. The total cost of a hearing of this length is well in excess of the $75,000 we are hoping to raise. Her legal team have already worked for weeks preparing her case.

    Please give if you can, or perhaps circulate this among your friends who have not donated yet but would like to support Rachel and help to address the power imbalance she's facing.

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