More police called in to help with Kaitaia backpacker case

Police from Auckland and Waikato are now helping Northland staff investigate a man accused of drugging and sexually assaulting at least 16 young men who stayed at his Kaitaia backpackers accommodation.

Michael Harris, 56, was arrested last Monday after police raided his Main Street Lodge in Kaitaia.

Police executed a warrant under the Search and Surveillance Act after a complaint by a male tourist who told police he suspected something had happened to him while staying at the lodge.

More than 30 people have made contact with police following his arrest, and sixteen police staff, including four from Auckland and Waikato, are now contacting and interviewing those who have come forward, Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said.

Alleged victims from around the world have come forward, including from Germany, Scotland, the UK and the US.

The police electronic crime lab in Auckland also going through material that was seized.

"The process of identifying potential victims and linking these to the information we have obtained is ongoing, and likely to take some time," Mr Johnston said.

"However, we encourage anyone that may have information that could be relevant to please come forward."

Harris appeared in court on September 10 on 39 charges, including aggravated wounding (drugging of a victim to facilitate an indecent assault), making of intimate visual recordings, possession of intimate visual recordings, and indecent assault. Those charges related to 16 adult male victims who stayed at the Main Street Lodge in Kaitaia. They were mostly overseas tourists aged between 18 and 25.

Harris was remanded in custody, and further charges are likely during the next court appearance on Thursday, Mr Johnston said.

Potential victims or anyone who has information relating to the case can contact 0800 SNAP01 (0800 762 701) or email operationsnap@police.govt.nz