Award-winning social worker stands trial on child sex charges in Northland

Chappy Harrison is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while he was a senior social worker in Kaitaia.

An award winning worker for the Ministry of Social Development is standing trial in Whangarei District Court today on child sex charges. 

Chappy Harrison is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while he was a senior social worker in Kaitaia.

The 46-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all five charges including unlawful sexual connection and indecent assault.

Harrison is well known in the Kaitaia community having worked with at risk youth for more than a decade. 

He's been heavily involved in the waka movement and made headlines in 2012 when he captained the waka Te Hono ki Aoteroa on London’s River Thames for the Queen's 60th jubilee.

He later took part in the Native American canoe journey. 

Chappy Harrison was a senior worker for the Ministry of Social Development in Kaitaia when he was accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl.

In 2015 Harrison was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Vodafone World of Difference Foundation. The grants are designed to support young people working for New Zealand youth charities. 

The Crown alleges Harrison met his victim through his youth work and allegedly groomed the girl buying her a cell phone, perfume and "expensive foods". 

The alleged victim will give evidence tomorrow. 

The trial is set down for a week. 


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