Hostel Owner 'Filmed Himself Abusing Tourists'

Hostel Owner 'Filmed Himself Abusing Tourists'

The owner of a backpacking hostel in New Zealand is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting young male guests, while he filmed the attacks.

Michael Harris, 56, who owns Mainstreet Lodge in the North Island town of Kaitaia, was charged with 39 offences against 16 men, aged 18-25, including indecent assault, aggravated wounding related to allegedly drugging the suspected victims', and making intimate visual recordings, police said.

The men were mostly overseas tourists who stayed in the hostel over the past two-and-a-half years.

The lodge has 16 rooms with 65 beds in total, including dormitories.

Police said they were looking to speak with anyone who had stayed at the lodge in the last few years to find out whether there are other potential victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said in a statement: "These victims are unlikely to know that something has happened to them, although they may have suspicions.

"This is an ongoing investigation and we have a lot of work ahead to assess evidence and establish if there are further victims we are not yet aware of."

Harris is in custody and will appear in Kaitaia District Court next week.

The Mainstreet Lodge website states: "Mike welcomes guests to come and discover the unspoilt Far North.