Nelson man pleads guilty to 50 charges relating to the creation, distribution and possession of objectionable material
20 August 2025
Storm Constable-Carter appeared in the Nelson District Court today, and pled guilty to 50 offences against the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993, following an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team.
The 22-year-old was charged with:
- 4 counts for creating objectionable material depicting bestiality and urination;
- 21 counts for distributing objectionable material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, and bestiality; and
- 25 counts for possession of objectionable material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, and bestiality.
The maximum penalty for anybody who knowingly makes or knowingly trades, distributes, or displays an objectionable publication via the Internet is 14 years imprisonment. The act of knowingly being in possession of objectionable publications attracts a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
“Child sexual exploitation material depicts a crime scene and the worst moments in a child’s life. Every time an offender shares or accesses an image or video of child abuse, they are continuing the abuse of that child and exacerbating the threat of child sexual exploitation” says Digital Child Exploitation Team Manager Tim Houston.
The Department of Internal Affairs launched the investigation after identifying a video file depicting bestiality involving an infant in a cloud storage location. The file was subsequently located in two separate internet accounts operated by Constable-Carter.
He next due to appear in court for sentencing on 16 December 2025.
The Department encourages the public to report any concerns about something you have seen online to the Digital Child Exploitation Team. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 111.
About Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team
In 2024, the Digital Child Exploitation team conducted 69 investigations into child exploitation and helped to safeguard 14 New Zealand children from harm. Additionally, the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System blocked over one million attempts to access websites hosting child sexual abuse material.
Support and Resources
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with their tamariki about safe online practices. Advice and support for parents and caregivers on protecting their children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz.
If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the Digital Child Exploitation Team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police at 111.
- Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting: https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/child-abuse-directory-information-and-support
- Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 Text 4334
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:
- Safe Network: 09 377 9898
- WellStop: 04 566 4745
- STOP: 03 353 0257
- Stand Strong, Walk Tall
-ENDS-
Notes for media:
DIA uses the term child sexual abuse imagery. The term child pornography downplays the harm of child sexual abuse.
For more information on the role of the Digital Child Exploitation Team, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit https://www.dia.govt.nz/Preventing-Online-Child-Sexual-Exploitation
Media contact:
Media Desk
Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639
Email: media@dia.govt.nz
