Wairarapa teen claims sex consensual

A Wairarapa boy, 16, in Masterton Youth Court on charges of rape, assault, burglary and receiving stolen goods.

A teenage boy charged with raping a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old claims both girls consented.

The Wairarapa boy, 16, appeared in Masterton Youth Court on Thursday, having denied one of the charges at an earlier appearance.

The offences are said to have taken place in a Wairarapa park. He also faces a charge of burglary, assault and receiving stolen property.

Defence lawyer Peter Stevens said he would be discussing with the crown as to whether the charges of rape were appropriate as both of the girls had consented, according to the boy and an independent person.

"I have seen a statement from an independent person ... [it] quite clearly states the complainant in that matter agreed to it all and was texting him afterwards.

"[The] second complainant ... as far as he's concerned that was consensual as well, it was him that told the police about that," Mr Stevens said.

Crown prosecutor Geraldine Kelly said the crown would consider changing one of the rape charges to a charge of sex with a person under 16, but that the other charge would remain as one of rape.

Judge Tony Walsh remanded the boy in custody, in the care of Child Youth and Family, until January 29.

All information that could identify the boy is suppressed.