A Far North man is facing serious charges relating to child exploitation material after community concerns prompted a Police investigation.
Northland Police expect more charges to be laid as the investigation continues, but the public is being asked to come forward should they have any information about any historical offending.
"In February we were approached by members of the community, raising concerns about an individual's behaviour around young people, which prompted further enquiries by the Kaitaia Child Protection Team," Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston says.
Enquiries led to Police terminating a search warrant 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."
On Friday, Police located the 67-year-old man in the Waipapa area and he was arrested.
The man has so far been charged with five representative charges of possessing objectionable publications with knowledge of its contents.
Detective Inspector Johnston says the objectionable material charges relate to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
He has since appeared in the Kaitaia District Court and has been remanded in custody to reappear on 13 August 2026.
Detective Inspector Johnston says the Kaitaia CPT is actively engaging with local families, along with Oranga Tamariki.
"We acknowledge those in the community who spoke up and came forward to us, they absolutely did the right thing."
'Please come forward':
Kaitaia CPT's investigation has identified some information which is prompting investigators to make a further 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," Detective Inspector Johnston says.
"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.
"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."
