Police and Oranga Tamariki are jointly conducting an investigation involving a community-based tutor.
The tutor has previously provided tuition through a number of schools and community organisations in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.
As part of these enquiries, Police and Oranga Tamariki have been working with schools and the Ministry of Education to identify children who may have had contact with the tutor, and to engage with their families.
Our focus is on ensuring that enquiries are conducted thoroughly, professionally and with the wellbeing of children at the centre of the process.
Police and Oranga Tamariki have begun meeting with affected families to explain the investigative process.
Parents and caregivers are being asked not to question their children about the matter or undertake their own enquiries. We appreciate that parents naturally want answers and reassurance. However, conversations of this nature are best undertaken by trained professionals to ensure children’s wellbeing is protected and information obtained is as reliable as possible.
Police emphasise that being contacted as part of the investigation does not mean that any particular child has been harmed.
The investigation has involved extensive engagement with schools, providers and community organisations, all of which have been cooperative and supportive of Police enquiries.
Police are continuing to assess information as it is received and encourage anyone with information they believe may be relevant, to contact Police by calling 105, or via 105 online, referencing file number 260919/1953.
Anyone in need of support can reach out through free helplines at Oranga Tamariki 0508 326 459, or Victim Support 0800 842 846.
