Scientific advances in DNA testing has led to the arrest of a man almost 23 years after an alleged rape in Whangarei.
Whangarei detectives travelled to Taumarunui, in the King Country, yesterday and interviewed a 47-year-old man who was charged with sexual violation by rape, abduction and threatening to kill a 19-year-old woman on January 4, 1991.
Following questioning by Detective Sergeant Aaron Crawford and Detective Wayne Pirret the man was also charged with the sexual violation of another 19-year-old woman in Whangarei, during 2005.
The man has been remanded in custody. Police said future appearances would hopefully be heard in the Whangarei District Court.
Mr Crawford said the charges relating to 1991 were a result of DNA analysis.