Moana Tekawa was recently sentenced to three years and seven months in prison in the Christchurch District Court on 20 May. The prolific serial offender had admitted to secretly taking over 10,000 intimate photos and videos of women in Christchurch, earning himself the nickname ‘Grey Lynn peeping Tom’ due to similar offenses in Auckland almost a decade ago. The offending took place between 2023 and 2024, targeting young women living in flats near the University of Canterbury.
The sentencing of Tekawa by Judge Michael Crosbie shed light on the gravity of his actions, which were described as degrading and demeaning. The scale of the offense went beyond typical peeping tom behavior, with multiple charges including making and possessing intimate visual recordings, burglary, possession of cannabis, and other offenses. The court heard victim impact statements from five women who spoke of the devastating impact of Tekawa’s actions, expressing feelings of violation, ongoing anxiety, and nightmares.
Defense lawyer Elena Stavrovska highlighted Tekawa’s severe addiction issues, revealing his history of substance abuse that included heavy methamphetamine use. Despite this, Stavrovska argued that there was a link between Tekawa’s addiction and his offending, emphasizing his distorted perception and state of mind. On the other hand, Crown prosecutor Christina Hallaway expressed concerns about Tekawa’s lack of remorse and insight into his actions, pointing out his previous similar offending. The investigation into Tekawa began after complaints from several young women in 2023 and 2024, leading to his arrest at a student party in Upper Riccarton in 2024.
Tekawa’s behavior during the sentencing, standing with his arms folded and eyes averted, reflected a lack of accountability for his actions. The judge praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and acknowledged the profound impact the offender had on their lives. Despite the lack of wider distribution of the images, Judge Crosbie condemned the invasion of privacy and the degrading nature of Tekawa’s actions. The sentencing of 43 months and two weeks in prison highlighted the severity of the offense and Tekawa’s extensive criminal history, including previous convictions for similar crimes.
Not really sure why this matters, but the case of Moana Tekawa sheds light on the disturbing reality of voyeurism and invasion of privacy that many women face. Maybe it’s just me, but the lack of remorse from the offender and the profound impact on the victims make this case particularly unsettling. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of addressing such offenses and providing support to those affected.