Tauranga man convicted of possessing extreme child sexual exploitation material

Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

A Tauranga man has been sentenced to seven months’ home detention for possessing extreme child sexual exploitation material.

The man, whose name has been permanently removed, was charged with possessing 374 images and videos depicting horrific and extreme sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including very young children and babies.

He pleaded guilty to two charges relating to knowingly possessing indecent material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

Law enforcement agencies overseas alerted the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET) to an individual in New Zealand who claimed to have abused children and had access to child sexual abuse material.

The investigation identified the man as a possible perpetrator and a search warrant was executed at his home, during which multiple electronic devices were found and seized.

However, it was confirmed that none of the images or videos were taken by the perpetrator.

Tim Houston, manager of DCET, said no child should ever be put in such a situation or be re-victimised every time images of their abuse are distributed, shared or viewed.

“Child sexual exploitation material depicts real children who have suffered real harm. These images depict a real crime scene.”

In 2023, the team conducted 47 child exploitation investigations, resulting in the discovery of almost three million pieces of illegal material in the possession of New Zealanders. This was in addition to more than one million attempts to access websites containing child abuse material that were blocked by the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System.

Where can you get help:

NZ Police

Victim Support 0800 842 846

Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00

Education in rape prevention

Empowerment Trust

HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 – press 0 in the menu

Safe to Talk: A confidential 24/7 helpline for survivors, support workers and people experiencing harmful sexual behaviour: 0800044334

Male Survivors Aotearoa

Survivors Network of Persons Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496

If it is an emergency and you think you or someone else is in danger, call 111.