Man who raped Dutch tourist jailed for 10 years

A Southland man who admitted raping a Dutch tourist was jailed for 10 years when sentenced in Invercargill District Court today.

Maakiti Joseph Tipene, 25, a wool presser, in January admitted nine charges, including rape, unlawful sexual connection and burglary, relating to an attack on a Dutch couple.

Judge Kevin Phillips, who imposed a non-parole period of seven years, described Tipene's crimes as "unbelievably horrendous".

Tipene had destroyed the victims' lives and tarnished New Zealand's image as a tourist destination, the judge said.

The couple were staying at a holiday park in Tuatapere, 87km northwest of Invercargill, on January 15 when the offences took place.

They were awoken at about 6.30am when Tipene broke into their station wagon demanding cash.

The couple handed over $750, but Tipene then pulled a sleeping bag off the woman and raped her while holding the knife to her.

The attack prompted the Netherlands government to upgrade travel advisories to its citizens looking to come to New Zealand, with a warning of "serious crime".

- NZPA