One of New Zealand's worst sex offenders is accused of approaching Christchurch schoolgirls, offering them cash in exchange for inappropriate favours

Leo Darin Goodwin's been arrested, after reports of concern in the Merivale and St Albans areas earlier this month.

The 53-year-old has multiple convictions for violence and rape against women, dating back to the 1990s.

Goodwin appeared in court yesterday, charged with breaching his preventive detention and parole conditions.

Corrections has confirmed it's applied to the Parole Board, to have Goodwin recalled to prison.