Investigation into tutor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour
Friday 23 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki
Police and Oranga Tamariki are investigating a community-based tutor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The tutor provided tuition at various organisations across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, impacting students at at least five schools. Authorities are working with the Ministry of Education to identify children who may have had contact with the individual.
Key facts
4 facts
- Investigation into a community tutor in Waikato and Bay of Plenty
- Five to six schools are believed to have engaged with the tutor
- No charges have been laid as of the reports
- Police file number 260919/1953
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Police and Oranga Tamariki are jointly investigating a community-based tutor who provided tuition at various schools and community organisations in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. The investigation follows a report from a single school received within the last two weeks regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour. Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton stated that police are in the early stages of determining if criminal activity occurred.
The tutor, who is no longer working with the schools, provided services via a professional provider that holds records of all schools and children the tutor contacted. Between five and six schools have engaged with the tutor. Investigators are working with the Ministry of Education to identify children who may have had contact with the tutor and are meeting with affected families to explain the process.
No charges have been laid at this stage, though police said they would take immediate action if any single criminal offence is identified to an evidential standard. Detective Inspector McNaughton urged parents and caregivers not to question their children or undertake their own enquiries. He noted that being contacted as part of the investigation does not mean any particular child has been harmed.
Police have noted that some social media commentary regarding the matter is inaccurate and unhelpful. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police by calling 105 or online, quoting file number 260919/1953. Support is available through Oranga Tamariki or Victim Support.
How it developed
- Sat 24 Oct, 8:47amThe investigation was prompted by a report from a single school regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour, and it involves a tutor who no longer works with the schools.
Where reports differ
- Earlier reports did not specify the reason for the investigation or the number of schools involved, whereas later reports cited alleged inappropriate behaviour and five to six schools.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, RNZ and 1News.