Police investigating a sexual assault in Te Teko say they're aware it has caused "distress and feelings of anger" among residents.
Police patrols in the town have been stepped up following the incident on Monday afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Anthony Hay of Eastern Bay of Plenty police said a young woman was sexually assaulted by a male youth near the netball courts at Eivers Park between 3pm and 3.30pm.
"The young person and her family are currently being supported by police and Victim Support and we are speaking to other people that were in the area at the time in an effort to identify the person responsible."
The youth is described as being in his late teens with short black curly hair and was wearing black clothing and a red hat.
