It was a fall from grace which prompted more questions than answers.

As a journalist, I’m obligated to report news in a fair and balanced way, sure, but even with my ‘everyday citizen’ hat on I still have no real opinion about the Roger Sutton saga.

Why? There’s simply not enough information to reach any informed conclusion on the subject without seeing the information in context. That would require seeing the report.

Nevertheless, people were quick to assert their own opinions based on what they heard, saw, and read in the media. That’s not wrong – that’s the kind of discussion we need in a society like ours, where freedom of thought, ideas and expression are held in high regard.

Some of the debate was good, some bad. But without the facts, the discussion was always going to be limited.

At the initial press conference in Christchurch, State Services boss Iain Rennie allowed Mr Sutton to take the stand, where he acknowledged he’d acted inappropriately towards female staffers. Mr. Rennie also spoke, but refused to shed light on the details of the complaint, on the basis it was highly confidential.

So what did we, as journalists, know at this point?

 - Roger Sutton had made inappropriate jokes, he’d called women names like ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’, and from time to time had given hugs to staff members.

 - The State Services Commission had reviewed the case, and concluded Mr. Sutton’s behaviour had amounted to “serious misconduct” (whatever that is).

 - Roger Sutton’s wife, Jo Malcolm was shocked by the allegations.

 - Many of Christchurch’s key movers and shakers came out in support of Mr. Sutton, and the work he’s done in his time at CERA.

Add that all up and what do you get? One half of the story, and not even a full half to be quite honest. People jumped on social media to air their views, with no shortage of abuse targeting the complainant.

And whose fault is that? All fingers have been pointed in the direction of Mr. Rennie and his handling of the affair, which almost cost him his job. He’s since apologised for his wrong-doing, acknowledging it was a mistake to hold a press conference with Mr. Sutton.

Arguably, though, his so-called “mistake” may have kick-started important conversations around gender relations in the workplace. It may have even prompted some to change how they behave at work. Such changes could’ve have resulted in many people feeling happier in their work environment...and if that’s the case, should we really be considering it a mistake?

Whatever the impact, good or bad, Mr. Sutton’s downfall has certainly had a big one.

Still, it’s not over yet. John Ombler, the former interim CEO of CERA has been appointed to fill the roll. Christchurch’s leaders say he’ll have some very big shoes to fill. As to whether he’s the right pick - only time will tell.