New Plymouth man sentenced to 11 months home detention for sharing child sexual exploitation material

7 May 2026

A 49-year-old New Plymouth man was sentenced to 11 months home detention yesterday (Wednesday 6 May 2026) for distributing and possessing objectionable material involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of children aged from babies to young people under 16. This sentence follows an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team.

In July and November 2024, the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received reports involving child sexual exploitation and abuse files being sent via private chat messages.

DIA’s Digital Child Exploitation Team identified the offender and executed a search warrant at his address in New Plymouth in December 2024. During the warrant, investigators seized multiple devices for forensic examination where further images of child sexual abuse and adult bestiality were found.

“We, alongside our partners at Police and Customs, are committed to protecting children and we will prosecute anyone identified in perpetuating the cycle of abuse” says Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation.

“These crimes cause significant harm to children, who are revictimised each time images or videos of their abuse is accessed and shared.”

Judge Bolstad ordered the offender be placed on the child sex offender register and granted permanent name suppression.

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.

ENDS

Support and Resources
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with their tamariki about safe online practices. Guidance on protecting 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/topics/child-protection
• 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 

Notes for media:
DIA uses the term child sexual abuse imagery (PDF, 625KB). 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 - Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639
Email: media@dia.govt.nz