A Northland man is facing child sexual abuse material charges after community concerns led police to the discovery of child exploitation images on his devices as investigators appeal for information about any historical offending.
Northland Police arrested the 67-year-old in the Waipapa area on Friday, following an investigation by the Kaitaia Child Protection Team that began in February.
Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said police were approached by members of the public about an individual's behaviour around young people.
This prompted further inquiries by the Kaitaia Child Protection Team and led to a search warrant being carried out at the 67-year-old man's address on the Karikari Peninsula.
"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."
The man has been charged with five representative charges of possessing objectionable publications with knowledge of its contents, which Johnston said related to child sexual abuse material.
He appeared in the Kaitaia District Court and was remanded in custody to reappear on August 13, 2026. Police expect more charges to be laid as the investigation continues.
Johnston said the man's history in other parts of the country had prompted a wider appeal.
"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," he said.
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He urged anyone with concerns to come forward.
"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," he said.
"Please come 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."
The Kaitaia Child Protection Team is working with local families and Oranga Tamariki, and Johnston praised those who had raised the alarm.
"We acknowledge those in the community who spoke up and came forward to us, they absolutely did the right thing," he said.
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