A Christchurch massage therapist has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for sexually offending against 15 women who came to him seeking treatment and relief from pain. Neil Yardeni, 55, was convicted by a jury on 21 charges including rape, sexual violation, and indecent assault, plus two counts of making intimate visual recordings.
The offending took place between 2015 and 2022 at Yardeni's home-based therapeutic massage practice in a Christchurch suburb. All of the victims were his clients, and many described the assaults as horrific, disgusting, and a profound violation of trust.
Victims describe lasting trauma and betrayal
In victim impact statements read to the Christchurch District Court, several women spoke about how the assaults have reshaped their lives. One woman said the experience affected her relationships, her ability to trust, and her ability to feel safe alone in a room with a professional.
“This man was physically and mentally assaulting people in a small suburb of Christchurch out of his home advertising his business, as if it was completely normal to rape and sexually assault others,” she said. “He filmed his unknowing clients, planned to perform indecent acts in a calculating and revolting manner.”
Another woman recalled lying on the massage bed feeling terrified and paralysed. “I felt stripped of my humanity and dignity... the whole massage I was trying to convince myself to get up and leave but I was too frightened to move in case he got violent,” she said.
“I came to this massage looking for a reprieve during a very stressful period of my life. Instead I left with more trauma to carry. I experienced feelings of shame, embarrassment and confusion after.”
Judge condemns gross abuse of professional trust
Judge Jane Farish told Yardeni his offending represented a gross abuse of the trust placed in him by vulnerable clients. “You repeatedly exploited women who attended your practice seeking treatment, relief from pain and professional assistance, using your position to sexually offend against them for your own gratification,” she said.
Farish praised the courage of the victims, noting that all 15 women came forward and gave evidence in an extremely stressful environment. “All of the victims were courageous to have not only come forward but to persevere with dignity and composure whilst giving their evidence,” she said.
The jury rejected Yardeni's defences of accidental touching, consent, or belief in consent, as well as one suggestion that a complainant had fantasised. He was found not guilty on three other charges of indecent assault.
No remorse shown, says Crown prosecutor
Crown prosecutor Penny Brown said Yardeni continued to deny the offending and showed no insight into the harm he caused. “He has demonstrated no insight, and demonstrated no acknowledgement of the harm he has caused, that's despite sitting through a lengthy trial where we heard from 15 victims,” she said.
Defence lawyer Josh Lucas said Yardeni had no previous convictions and would benefit from rehabilitation. “He's going to address what led him down this path,” Lucas said.
Yardeni moved to New Zealand in 2003 with his wife and children. He was sentenced on Thursday in the Christchurch District Court after a trial that began in June 2026.
Why this case matters for New Zealand
This sentencing highlights a broader conversation about safety in therapeutic settings and the power dynamics that can leave clients vulnerable. For many New Zealanders, massage therapy is a trusted health practice, and cases like this underscore the importance of robust professional standards and accountability.
The courage of the 15 women who came forward is a reminder that speaking up about sexual violence is difficult but vital. Their testimony not only secured a conviction but also helped prevent further harm to others in the community.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, help is available through the Ministry of Justice's sexual violence services, or by calling the national helpline on 0800 044 334.