25-year-old caught distributing over 1000 images of child sexual exploitation material online
12 February 2026
Warkworth man, Regan Highfield, has been sentenced to 12 months home detention for 21 charges of distributing objectionable material, which included images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
Following an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs, the 25-year-old appeared at the North Shore District Court on 11 February 2026 where he plead guilty to the charges.
The Department’s Digital Child Exploitation Team opened an investigation after receiving a report from an international law enforcement agency. The report indicated that Highfield had been sharing links containing child sexual exploitation material through an online chat.
A search warrant at his address on 14 May 2024, lead to the seizure and destruction of several electronic devices. Examination of the devices identified that Highfield possessed 7,853 objectionable files and had shared 1053 child sexual abuse images to 12 other offenders.
“Offenders who possess and knowingly share this material present a risk to both online and offline communities. We are committed to finding and prosecuting these individuals to prevent the further revictimisation of children,” Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation Team says.
“These aren’t just images on a phone or laptop, these are real children in real scenarios – it’s important we reduce the accessibility of this material as much as we can. Anyone who accesses this material generates a demand for others to create this horrific content.”
As part of Highfields’s sentence, he will be registered as a child sex offender and the devices used as part of his offending were ordered to be destroyed.
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
