Kaitaia backpacker case: More possible victims

News of Michael Harris's arrest has spread quickly, both here and abroad. Photo / APN

Police say a further four possible male victims have made contact with them following the arrest of Kaitaia backpacker lodge owner Michael Harris.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said the German nationals had been in touch overnight.

"Some just wanted information, but one was a concerned person who was most definately a victim," he said.

"The majority of victims are overseas tourists still travelling."

Alleged victims from around the world, including Germany, Scotland, the United Kingdom and the United States, have come forward.

Johnston said news of Harris's arrest has spread quickly, both here and abroad.

"Some overseas media have picked it up and social media has picked it up quite well," he said.

"We are using Victim Support in New Zealand and MSSAT (Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse) for specialist support, as well as putting people in touch with the appropriate embassies," he says.

"They are understandably distressed so we make sure we have people with them when we are talking to them for a start as well as putting them in touch with sister agencies overseas for support.

"We also have Interpol that has the right contacts in all the right countries," he says.
Harris, 56, appeared in Kaitaia District Court this week charged with drugging, indecently assaulting and filming young male guests.

The charges related to 16 adult male victims who stayed at the Main Street Lodge. They were mostly overseas tourists aged between 18 and 25.