Potential victims still coming forward after arrest of lodge owner

Michael Harris is charged with indecently assaulting 16 young male guests at the Kaitaia lodge. Photo / APN

Potential victims are still coming forward in the wake of the arrest of a Kaitaia lodge owner who has been charged with sexual assault.

Michael Harris, 56, faces 39 charges related to indecent assaults on 16 young men who stayed at the Main Street Lodge in Kaitaia.

The men were mainly overseas tourists aged between 18 and 25, police said.

Harris faces a number of charges, including aggravated wounding related to allegedly drugging his victims to facilitate indecent assault, making intimate visual recordings, possession of intimate visual recordings, and indecent assault.

He has been remanded in custody to appear again on September 18.

By yesterday afternoon 30 people had contacted police through an 0800 number and by email.

More people contacted police overnight, said Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston today.

He said as a result of these calls and emails police have identified three more potential victims, all German.

Mr Johnston said police would like to hear from anyone who believed they were a victim and to give as many contact details as possible, such as landline and cellphone numbers, email addresses and Skype addresses.

"This information all helps us to maintain contact with potential victims," he said.

Police also asked potential victims to provide a photo of themselves, to help the inquiry team in its investigations.

"All information will be kept confidential and we will deal with victims sensitively and offer all appropriate support required."

A helpline number and email address had been set up so potential victims could get in touch with the investigation team.

To contact the investigation team call 0800 762 701, or send an email to operationsnap@police.govt.nz.