Detective Brent Andersen told the Herald that the victim was prepared to return and testify at trial. Kitai's guilty plea meant that the victim would not be required in court, Andersen said.

Andersen said he was glad Kitai had been quickly brought to justice.

'Tourism is a big part of this area, and everyone goes out of their way to help people,' the detective told the New Zealand Herald. '... It was a shock for this community. Everyone was outraged by it.'