Attorney-General David Parker has apologised on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force to a former officer for the sexual harassment and rape she suffered while in the New Zealand Navy.
Hayley Browne had been fighting both the New Zealand and British governments for the past five years for not providing a safe work environment after she said she was raped by a British naval employee while on deployment.
The apology covers the conditions she served under, the way her complaint was handled, and how she was retraumatised by the use of her image to recruit women into the navy, while she was battling to have her complaints dealt with.
As part of the confidential payout and settlement, New Zealand's naval brass will meet Ms Browne to discuss her experience and provide feedback and advice on how to improve the NZDF's culture.
Hayley Browne talks to Susie Ferguson.
