A 67-year-old Northland man arrested in Waipapa is facing five representative charges of possessing objectionable publications containing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by the Kaitaia Child Protection Team. Police have launched a wider historical appeal spanning Auckland and Australia.
Arrest in Waipapa and Charges Filed
A 67-year-old man was arrested in the Waipapa area on Friday following an investigation by the Kaitaia Child Protection Team that began in February. Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston stated that the inquiry started when police were approached by members of the public expressing concern about an individual’s behavior around young people.
That community tip led investigators to execute a search warrant at the man’s address on the Karikari Peninsula. Officers seized a range of electronic devices during the operation, which triggered months of forensic examination.
“At the time we seized a range of electronic devices. It has resulted in the analysis of tens of thousands of images in recent months which has led to us laying charges in this case.”
Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland Police
The man now faces five representative charges of possessing objectionable publications with knowledge of their contents, which authorities confirmed relate to child sexual abuse material. He appeared in the Kaitāia District Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to reappear on August 13, 2026. Police noted that further charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Community Intervention and Police Praise
The breakthrough in the case relied directly on local residents raising the alarm. Law enforcement officials publicly commended those who spoke up about the suspect’s conduct, with Johnston stating that those in the community who spoke up and came forward absolutely did the right thing.
“I acknowledge those in the community who spoke up and came forward to us, they absolutely did the right thing.”
Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland Police
Wider Appeal Across Auckland and Australia
Because the accused has lived in several different jurisdictions over the decades, investigators have widened their appeal for information regarding historical conduct. According to police records, the man has resided in the Far North only in recent years.
Photo: 1News
“The male has only lived in the Far North region in the last few years, but we are aware he has previously lived on Waiheke Island and across the Auckland region from the 1990s up until his move to this part of the country. He also lived in Australia for several years.”
Photo: Nzherald
Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland Police
Authorities are urging anyone with historical knowledge, concerns, or information about untoward behavior from those time periods to contact investigators or utilize an advocate who can come to police on their behalf.
“I’m encouraging anyone with information or who holds any concerns or knowledge of anything untoward having occurred to come forward, or to approach an advocate who can come to police on your behalf.”
Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland Police
Police have assured the public that any information provided will be treated in confidence, and that the right support services will be engaged to assist moving forward.
“You can be assured that we will treat your information in confidence and ensure the right support services are engaged to assist you moving forward.”
