Alarm over sex offender in Turangi

An offender convicted for crimes against children is now living in Turangi after he was recently released from prison.

Community Probation Services last week informed residents on either side of the offender's relocation property, as well as two schools, that a "high risk offender" was being relocated to Turangi. The house on Paekiri St is within a 1.5 kilometre radius of two schools.

Community Probation Services manager Tony Denton attended a meeting at Te Kura o Hirangi on Wednesday where he asked residents to contact Community Probation Services to raise any concerns.

Mary Smallman, chairwoman of the Turangi Tongariro Safer Community Council, said a public meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29 at 5.30pm at the Turangi Senior Citizens Hall to discuss the relocation.

"Whanau who are living on the street where this man is now residing are angry, confused and concerned for their tamariki," said Ms Smallman.

"The role of Safe Community is to 'create a safe and healthy environment for families to live, work and play and raise healthy families', this role is made impossible as Crown agencies can make decisions without consultation."

The meeting will be attended by mayor Rick Cooper and members of the community board and police.

- Taupo Times

- © Fairfax NZ News