NZ man arrested over 'child sex tours'

Police have arrested a man they say is involved in the child sex tourism industry.

The 46 year-old Auckland motel and property manager was arrested after police raided properties in Remuera and Mangere.

Detective Senior Sergeant John-Paul Michael said an undercover police operation was used to catch the man shortly before he was due to leave for Thailand.

He is the first person in New Zealand to face charges relating to organising a child sex tour.

"The arrest follows an eight month investigation into the man's activities by Police and Customs. He will face charges including organising and promoting child sex tours to South East Asia, and dealing in children for sexual exploitation," Mr Michael said.

The operation was coordinated by the Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand unit, a specialist team set up in 2009 and to save children from sexual exploitation.

"The unit is working closely with other agencies and international partners to identify and track offenders involved in the online sexual exploitation of children in New Zealand and overseas.

"New Zealanders who think they can travel abroad to commit these horrendous offences against children can expect to be targeted and arrested," Mr Michael said.

The man will be appearing in the district court in Manukau today.

- NZ Herald staff