New Zealand / Crime

Pair arrested for alleged child prostitution in Rotorua

16:43 pm on 5 October 2023

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

A man and woman have been arrested for alleged child prostitution in Rotorua. The pair also supplied the girls with drugs, police say.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson said the pair - a 49-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman - allegedly ran an illegal commercial sex service that involved underage girls, to whom cannabis and methamphetamine were supplied.

"Taking advantage of young vulnerable people for financial gain is abhorrent behaviour.

"We are appalled that children are encouraged to prostitute themselves and police are even more concerned that men are preying on young people in this situation."

He said meth impacted communities across New Zealand and police were continuing to try to stop the sale of it.

The pair appeared in the Rotorua District Court today on charges including assisting a person under 18 years of age to provide commercial sex services, unlawful sexual connection with a young person, possession of cannabis for supply and possession of methamphetamine for supply.

They have been remanded in custody and are to appear again on 27 October.

Police are urging anyone who believed they were a victim of similar incidents to contact police on 105.

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