No evidence of paedophile ring in Tauranga say police after claims by late Māori leader's widow

August 30, 2018

Anihera Black repeated allegations that her late husband Te Awanuiārangi was a paedophile.

Bay of Plenty Police say they have not received any information or evidence to date to substantiate an allegation that a paedophile ring is or has been operating in Tauranga.

Since July, the police have been working to investigate allegations made by Anihera Black regarding her late husband, iwi leader Awanui Black.

Mrs Black said in a Facebook video last month that Awanui Black, who died in 2016, had sexually abused multiple children.

She also alleged there is a child sex ring operating out of Tauranga.

Mrs Black later restated her allegations in an interview with TVNZ1's Marae programme, saying her former husband's youngest victim may have only been seven at the time of the alleged abuse, and that Awanui Black ran a paedophile ring.

Detective Inspector Mark Loper said today that police have been contacted by one person since the allegations were made. 

"Our priority throughout our investigation has been to ensure that anyone who wishes to speak with us can feel comfortable doing so," Mr Loper said. 

"For that reason, and out of respect for the privacy of the person who contacted us, we will not be discussing matters relating to this individual," he said.

"However we can advise that, to date, we have not received any information or evidence to substantiate the allegation that a ‘paedophile ring’ is or has been operating in Tauranga," Mr Loper said.

"We understand that these allegations have caused considerable distress, not just for Mrs Black and her whānau, but for the wider Tauranga community," he said. 

"We want to assure the community that Police have taken these allegations seriously and have investigated accordingly."

Based on the information currently available, police are unable to progress this matter any further at this time, Mr Loper said. 

"We continue to welcome contact from anyone who wishes to share information with us about the allegations but has not yet been in touch with us," he said. 

Anyone who wishes to contact police can do this by contacting their local police station or by emailing the Adult Sexual Assault team at ASA@police.govt.nz. 

Police say any information provided to them will be carefully assessed by specialist staff, who can also ensure the right support services are available, Mr Loper said. 

They say anyone who is not comfortable approaching police is encouraged to get in contact with their local Sexual Assault Support service, he said. 

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