Name Suppression Lapses for Former Media Executive Convicted of Underage Sex Charges

Name suppression lapses for Gregory Rex Hornblow, former OneRoof CEO, convicted of receiving sexual services from a 14-year-old in Auckland.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 4:36 AM EDT

Source: RNZ

Identification of Gregory Rex Hornblow

The legal veil of anonymity surrounding a high-profile Auckland sex crime has been lifted. Gregory Rex Hornblow, a 60-year-old former executive, has been identified as the man who admitted to paying a minor for sexual services. Hornblow held a prominent position as the CEO of OneRoof—the real estate arm of major publisher NZME—until his arrest in late 2025. While he fought extensively for permanent name suppression, an abandoned appeal on Thursday paved the way for his identity to be made public.

NZME Chief Executive Michael Boggs issued a statement following the lapse of suppression, confirming that Hornblow was already under internal investigation for "inappropriate behavior" at work functions and meetings when the criminal charges came to light. The company terminated his employment in November 2025 immediately after being informed of his arrest by the police.

Details of the Offending and Grooming Process

Evidence presented in court by Judge Kathryn Maxwell painted a disturbing picture of the interactions between Hornblow and the victim. In September 2025, Hornblow met the 14-year-old on Snapchat, referring to himself as a "sugar daddy." He initially established a transactional relationship by purchasing UberEats for the girl in exchange for 12 sexually explicit photos and 19 videos—some of which depicted the victim in her school uniform.

The offending culminated in Hornblow paying the teenager $1,000 to visit his home, where they engaged in sexual activity. Judge Maxwell highlighted that Hornblow attempted to "coach" the victim to avoid legal repercussions, instructing her to claim the sex was consensual and the money was merely a gift. The judge rejected the defense's argument that the offending was less serious due to the victim's "consent," noting that the legal age for commercial sexual services is 18, and the victim was well below that threshold.