30 Oct 2012

Sex predators 'thrive in poor communities'

2:52 pm on 30 October 2012

A businessman in Kaitaia says the community will have to be more vigilant about men working with children and young people in the wake of the latest sex abuse case there.

A 37-year-old man is under arrest on 16 charges of indecently assaulting boys.

Businessman Ian Walker said the case has shocked and disappointed the community, especially since it comes so soon after the arrest of a school teacher and a pastor on sex charges.

He said Kaitaia used to be called the cannabis capital of New Zealand and is now at risk of being seen as the paedophilia capital.

Mr Walker said it seems that sex predators thrive in poor communities where families are stressed and needy.