Police are appealing for help in tracking down a man who has been harassing women and trying to follow them back to their accommodation in Paihia.
Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said police had received reports of a man aged in his mid to late 20s approaching women around the Village Green and the public toilets on Williams Rd.
"His language has been inappropriate and offensive and he is believed to have followed females to their accommodation. There have also been reports that he has tried to enter apartments and backpacker accommodation," Mr Swann said.
Several such incidents were reported last weekend. The same man is believed to have been involved in similar incidents over the last few months.
Police had serious concerns about the man's behaviour and wanted to hear from anyone who had been approached by him or had witnessed similar behaviour in Paihia.
The offender was described as a light-skinned Maori with short dark hair, of thin build and about 170cm tall. He often wore football-style shorts.
A number of people had written Facebook posts about a man fitting his description. Mr Swann urged anyone with information to contact Constable Cumber in Paihia, phone (09) 402 7130, or their local police station.
The Paihia police station was not always manned so he urged callers to stay on the line while they were transferred to the police communications centre. The call-taker would then pass the information to the appropriate officer. In an emergency, call 111.