Rotorua man pleads guilty to snatching toddler from early childhood centre

Thursday 18 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 18 Sep 2025, 11:30am

In this story Waikato Times

John Tekuru has entered a guilty plea in the Rotorua District Court after snatching a three-year-old from an enclosed play area. The man reportedly loitered outside the centre before removing his trousers and taking the child. He admitted to police that he intended to sexually assault the toddler.

How they headlined it

10:40am11:30am

1. NZ HeraldThu 18 Sep 2025, 10:40am

   How a Rotorua man snatched a 3-year-old from enclosed yard at early childhood centre (opens in new tab)

2. The Post via Waikato TimesThu 18 Sep 2025, 11:30am

   Kindy nightmare: Man admits disturbing intent after snatching toddler (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)