A sexual abuse survivors group has been put on alert for a potential onslaught of alleged victims after the arrest of a Kaitaia hostel owner on drugging and sexually assaulting charges.
Michael Harris is facing 39 charges of drugging, sexually assaulting and photographing tourists who stayed at his Kaitaia backpackers' hostel, Main Street Lodge, during the past two-and-a-half years.
The police have appealed for people who may think they have been victims to come forward but say the alleged drugging element could mean some will not know whether they have been targeted.
Far North CIB head Detective Sergeant Rhys Johnston said police had identified 16 separate victims as a result of the evidence seized.
“Our job now is to try and track those people down and positively identify them,” he said.
Police had contacted Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust to check whether there would be enough help for any victims.
Mr Harris will next appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Thursday.