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A grandmother and security guard in Kaitaia says some children frequently wander the streets unsupervised, sometimes as late as 3 or 4am.
In the past year Carol Shutt has escorted more than 30 children home - one as young as six.
Often, she says their parents don't even care.
She wants to see a 24/7 drop-in centre for children to go to instead of walking the streets, where they could have a hot cup of milo or food, and access to a counsellor.
Shutt spoke to Kim Hill.