Northland town hit by another child sex abuse case
A prominent Kaitaia businessman in his 30’s has been arrested on 16 charges of indecent assault against four boys aged
under 16 years. He has name suppression and investigations are proceeding. This follows on from two recent cases of
sexual abuse in the town. James Parker who had been the deputy principal of Pamapuria School is facing 49 charges of
sexual abuse of boys. In another case 63 year old church pastor Eric Reid is charged with sex related offences involving
two women, one of whom was a teenager.
Alan Bell, Director of ECPAT Child ALERT says “This is of grave concern to this provincial town and parents have every right to be feeling apprehensive. It is
particularly disturbing to have people in positions of trust betraying the faith that people place in them. Schools,
churches and places of business should be the places where children are considered to be safe and taken good care of.
When child abuse occurs in these situations the confidence of the public and parents in particular is damaged and doubt
and suspicion replace trust and respect.”
Earlier in October the Government released their White Paper for Vulnerable Children. Included in this child protection
plan is the introduction of a Vulnerable Children’s Bill containing provisions requiring agencies working with children
to place the child’s interests at the centre. It will also introduce legislation for Child Abuse Prevention Orders to
keep children safe from abusers who pose a risk to children.
“The cases reported in the North are indicative of a wider problem in New Zealand “ says Bell. “The sexual abuse of children is not restricted to any one geographic area and the offenders cover a wide spectrum of
society. It is time for everybody to become aware of this crime against our most vulnerable and play a part in
preventing the abuse of children. The government need to lead but if we want to see New Zealand as a safe place for
children to grow up in we must all take on some responsibility – especially those placed in positions of trust in caring
for children.”
ECPAT Child ALERT is a registered charitable trust working to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.
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