Police have charged three people as part of an investigation into allegations of historical sexual and physical offending, committed by a contracted care provider in Auckland.
Counties Manukau CIB began investigating after Oranga Tamariki notified Police in June 2021 of concerns with a contracted care provider operating within the wider south Auckland region.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says investigators working on Operation Annalise have since spoken to more than 500 people.
Those boys were identified as having been placed with the provider between 2002 and 2021, many of whom are now adults.
“Police have now reached a point in our investigation where we have filed charges,” Detective Inspector Vickers says.
“In recent days, police have located and arrested three people within the Counties Manukau District."
Three people charged
A total of 72 charges have been filed against the three people.
A 72-year-old woman has been summonsed on 43 charges, relating to 12 victims. A 33-year-old woman is facing 17 charges, relating to seven victims, while a 33-year-old man is facing 12 charges, relating to eight victims
The charges include sexual offences, assault offences and ill-treatment offences.
The man was due to appear in the Manukau District Court this afternoon, while, the two women are expected to appear in the Pukekohe District Court on February 21 and 22.
As matters are before the court, Police cannot make further comment on the alleged offending or the provider.
"Police are also incredibly mindful of the privacy of the victims identified in our inquiries," Detective Inspector Vickers says.
"Our investigation team has been ensuring welfare is in place for those we have been speaking to, and we will continue to ensure appropriate support is available.”
Police reiterate that the investigation continues and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out.
"Police are encouraging anyone who might have information that may assist the investigation further to get in contact with us, or if they wish to discuss any matters relating to this offending,” Detective Inspector Vickers says.
How people can get in contact:
Police have set up a dedicated 0800 number for people to provide further information or discuss matters relating to offending under Operation Annalise.
Please call 0800 ANNALISE (0800 266 25473)
