41-year-old offender found in possession of child sex exploitation material
25 February 2026
Auckland man, Joshua David Evans, has been sentenced to six months’ community detention (the maximum available), 12 months of intensive supervision, and 120 hours of community work for his possession of objectionable material, which included images and videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. His sentence follows as investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team.
The 41-year-old appeared in the Waitakere District Court yesterday, after earlier pleading guilty to three representative charges for his possession of 93 objectionable images and videos, depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as babies.
An investigation into Evans was launched following a report from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which indicated that he had uploaded a child sex abuse file onto an online platform.
On 4 September 2024, a search warrant was carried out at his residential address, where multiple devices were seized for forensic examination. In a subsequent interview with investigators, Evans admitted to the offending, stating he had accessed the child sex abuse files as he “wanted to try and understand it.”
“These aren’t just abstract images on a screen. They typically show real children experiencing real abuse. Anyone who seeks out this material is fueling a demand for more of it, which is why limiting access is so critical” Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation Team, says.
“The public can be assured that we take these crimes extremely seriously. We are committed to disrupting access and preventing further harm.”
The Judge ordered the destruction of the objectionable publication materials found on his devices. Evans’ was not required to register as a child sex offender.
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
Notes for media
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/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
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
