Wellington police are investigating whether a serial sex attacker, linked to up to 12 attacks, is prowling the streets.
Scientist Grace Leung was the first victims, attacked on an unlit path near Massey University's Mt Cook campus, NZME reports.
The attack took place in 2011, when a man put a hand over Ms Leung's mouth and told her, "Scream and I'll kill you," before he pulled her to a derelict building.
She punched him in the face and escaped, but others did not. Ms Leung told NZME police had admitted to her at least one of the linked cases ended in rape.
The links between the cases are behavioural, not forensic, and little other detail is known about the attacker. Descriptions of the man have varied.
Ms Leung says he looked around 30 years old, with light hair and was of medium height and build, but not very fit or strong. Other descriptions state he has dark hair.
An identikit photo of the man was released in 2014 and Ms Leung recognised the man. She tried to tell police but they did not follow up. Another woman was attacked nine months later.
Police apologised to Ms Leung for the failure, but she was disappointed it was not taken seriously.
"I guess it's the horrible but realistic way we have to look at it though," she told NZME. "There's a lot that needs police attention and they probably don't have the resource."
Detective Sergeant Warwick McKee refused to comment to NZME, but confirmed 12 attacks were under investigation.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
