An alleged victim of the west Auckland Roast Busters says she was "shocked" but "relieved" charges have been laid seven years after the alleged group sex ring was exposed.
In 2013, Newshub (then 3 News) revealed a group of high school students calling themselves the 'Roast Busters' had allegedly engaged in group sex with underage, intoxicated girls as young as 13.
They used social media to name and shame girls, as well as recruit new members.
The investigation sparked nationwide protests against rape culture, and over 100,000 people signed a petition calling for then-Prime Minister John Key to "bust" the Roast Busters group and to "take sexual violence seriously".
On Wednesday, Newshub revealed charges have been filed against two men and a warrant will be sought to arrest a third following a fresh formal complaint from a young woman earlier this year.
Each will face a charge of sexual connection with a person aged 12-16.
"I was shocked when I heard it, of course, because it has been so long but I think the development is good and that someone was able to speak up for themselves," an alleged victim told Newshub in reaction to the news.
"I'm relieved not just for me but for the other girls...it was a long time coming."
Waitemata Police confirmed a 24-year-old male had been summonsed to court and another 24-year-old has been located and arrested in Whitianga. A warrant to arrest will be sought for the third man, who currently resides overseas "if he returns to New Zealand".
The alleged victim told Newshub she has "huge respect for the police" for continuing to follow the case, and making the charges.
"I am really grateful to them for doing that," she said.
"Hopefully this is going to change the way people saw it back then and it's a more positive thing now that something's happening."
She said she is still affected by the traumatic events, which she says took place when she was just 13.
"I don't really speak about it now, it's been a huge impact...it affected my friends, my school life" she said.
"It was a very hard time for a lot of women and for me it was hard but even though it took this long they are getting what they deserve."
Police conducted a year-long investigation into the Roast Busters after the story broke in 2013.
In total 110 young women were contacted with police identifying seven female victims and five suspects, but no charges were laid at the time.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
