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One council official warned Ms Magnolia that spreading word of the allegation at this stage would be both defamatory and inflammatory, but suggested she could file a police report.

Ms Magnolia replied that she already had.

She had phoned Christchurch's child abuse unit on the same day as Jeffrey's interview and spoken to a detective named Colin Eade.

She had also spoken to other Kreisch parents about the matter, despite being told not to, later explaining, quote, "...I intentionally didn't listen to that because I have a strong belief that secrecy in sexual abuse cases keeps it happening and I felt it needed to be talked about."

I rang the parents of friends that Jeff played with because I was concerned for those kids.

In response to Ms Magnolia's report, Detective Collin Eade began looking into the accusations.

Soon he'd received complaints from three further parents.

The detective didn't like the sound of Peter Ellis and he was particularly suspicious of the way he'd obtained a position at the creche in the first place.

By all reports, Peter Ellis loved animals and owned many pets.

Why then, when given the option of completing his community service at an animal shelter, had he opted to volunteer at a creche instead?

It sounded like the action of a potential predator seeking easy access to vulnerable children.

Within a week of obtaining the complaint, Detective Ede advised the city council that he believed he was onto something big.

On Detective Ede's advice, an urgent meeting was planned to alert all Kreisch parents that a staff member was under suspicion, despite the council's stance that the allegations should be withheld pending a full investigation.

As it was, word had already gotten out to some parents who had been calling social welfare agencies for answers.

Detective Ede attended the meeting which was held at the Creche on Monday December 2.

Word of the meeting was somehow leaked to Christchurch newspaper The Press which ran a story that same day about Ellis' suspension with the headline, Allegations of Abuse.

Roughly 100 parents attended the meeting, most of whom had been completely oblivious as to the allegations.

When Ms Magnolia arrived, she paused in the doorway and burst into tears.

A couple of other parents rushed over to support her, escorting her to a seat.

Concerns spread amongst the others present upon witnessing this scene.