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Greg Pask has admitted a series of sexual allegations against young girls.
A gymnastics club in Blenheim said it was “shocked and horrified” to learn one of its coaches had committed a sexual offense against girls under 12.
On Monday Gregory David Pask, 61, appeared in Blenheim District Court and pleaded guilty to 29 charges involving several girls under the age of 12, including indecent acts and sexual assault. He also admitted producing objectionable material. The crime spans two decades.
Pask was named New Zealand Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year in 2016 for his work as a volunteer coach of the girls' recreational classes at Blenheim Gymnastics Club. For approximately two decades, he was a long-time member of the club's committee, assisting with many fundraisers and open houses and serving as equipment coordinator.
On Monday, the club issued a statement on its website saying it had not been able to speak publicly due to the suppression order on Pask's name.
“The club was shocked and appalled to learn of the crimes committed by someone who held a position of trust in our community. Our main concern at this time is the welfare of the victims.”
The statement said the club wanted to reassure its members that it was a safe place.
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Following Pask's guilty pleas on Monday, Detective Sergeant Ash Clarke encouraged any further victims to come forward and tell police what happened.
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Andrea Nelson, Managing Director of Gymnastics NZ.
Clarke said while it can be difficult to report incidents of this nature, he wanted to reassure any survivors that police take this matter seriously and have a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases.
“We ensure you have a safe place to confidentially report violations,” Clarke said.
“Although the man responsible for the crime has pleaded guilty, police are aware that no conviction will ever make up for what happened.
“He was a well-known figure in the Blenheim community for many years and was in constant contact with children and young people,” Clarke said.
Stuff sent a series of questions to the club and spoke briefly to life member and coach Tony Quirk.
Quirk said the club would not comment further than the statement on its website.
Gymnastics New Zealand chief executive Andrea Nelson said in a statement the offense was a “terrible reminder” that all sport and recreational activities involving children under adult supervision are vulnerable to child protection issues, including serious crime.
Anthony Phelps/Stuff
Greg Pask admitted the charge when he appeared in Blenheim District Court.
“It can happen anywhere – and all people who work or volunteer in this sector need to be vigilant and aware of these threats.”
Nelson said Gymnastics New Zealand's main concern was the welfare of the victims and ensuring they and the club were supported.
“This situation highlights the importance of Gymnastic NZ’s work to ensure child protection remains a priority at all levels of the sport and across the national club network.”
Gymnastics NZ said it would continue to monitor developments in this matter and take any necessary action.
Nelson said the protection and welfare of children was Gymnastics NZ's top priority.
“GNZ member clubs have been instructed to have an up-to-date child protection policy, police vetting, safeguarding training for all coaches and a designated child safeguarding lead,” Nelson said.
Anyone who has been a victim of Pask is asked to contact police on 105 or go to their local police station. Reference number: 230903/8087.
Timeline of Pask's charges
- Pask was first arrested and charged on September 6th for offenses that occurred between September 2nd and 3rd. He was granted interim name suppression and remanded on bail.
- The gymnastics coach appeared in court again on September 20 after 24 new charges were filed. The charge of sexual offenses against girls under 12 related to events between November 19 and January 2023. He was also accused of producing indecent materials between August 2020 and September 2023. This time Pask was refused bail and remanded in custody.
- On December 5, four additional charges were filed against Pask for sexual offenses against children between July 2014 and August 2022.
- Pask appeared again at Blenheim District Court on December 18 and pleaded guilty to the charge. Even after the temporary name suppression expired, he could be mentioned by name for the first time. Pask is scheduled to appear for another hearing on March 5 and will be sentenced on April 17.
- On December 18, another 17 charges were filed against Pask. He was remanded in custody without contest on these charges, which include allegations of sexually molesting four girls under the age of 12 and publishing indecent publications.
Where you can get help
- Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines.
- Victim Support 0800 842 846.
- Safetalk SMS 4334, phone 0800 044 334, webchat safetotalk.nz or email [email protected].
- The Haven provides online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
- Women's shelter 0800 733 843
- Aotearoa Male Survivor Helplines across New Zealand. Click here to find out more (men only).
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
- If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, click the shielded icon at the bottom of this website to contact Women's Refuge in a safe and anonymous way, without being tracked in your browsing history. If you're on our app, visit the mobile site here to access Shielded.
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