Flaxmere ward councillor Henare O'Keefe wants the community to look out for each other. Photo / File
Flaxmere ward councillor Henare O'Keefe wants the community to look out for each other. Photo / File
A Hastings community is on edge after four primary school students were allegedly approached by a stranger who offered them lollies and money to take them shopping in his vehicle.
He also allegedly said the parents of the Flaxmere kids, who range in ages from 8 to 11, had toldhim to pick them up after school.
The children, who ran from the man, have subsequently reported it to police.
The "suspicious approach", on the corner of Hudson Rd and Scott Dr on October 24, was being investigated, a police spokeswoman said.
"We are speaking with the family involved and our inquiries are ongoing to locate the vehicle and person involved.
Zephaniah Taueki said she had decided to speak up about the incident because it was her duty to do so.
"I am not going to be a grandmother and sit back and do nothing.
"I am angry this happened but I am glad they are safe."
Taeuki said the four children were walking back home after school when a man described as being in his 30s, with freckles and white hair, a tattoo with a love heart and flames drove up to them.
"The guy was in a big 4x4. He drove past my grandchildren.
"He thought my grandson was showing him the finger when all he was doing was counting."
The man and he allegedly stopped and started swearing at the kids but then quickly changed tack.
"He started offering them lollies, said he would take them shopping, offered them some money.
"And then he said that their parents told him to pick them up."
