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KAIKOHE - The identities of the two men charged with the abduction of Dutch honeymooning tourists in the Bay of Islands on November 10 were made public today.
Keith Anthony McEwen, 29, of no fixed abode, and 27-year-old Christopher Mana Manuel, of Dargaville, have also been charged with rape, sexual violation, robbery and stupefaction.
The pair appeared in Kaikohe District Court today.
They stood quietly with eyes downcast as the court deliberated on public release of their photographs and names.
Last week the court suppressed their identities so police could continue their investigations without witnesses being prejudiced.
Judge Michael Lance declined an application by Manuel's lawyer for a continued ban on publication of pictures of the accused.
He said there was intense public interest in the case and the court operated a system of open justice.
Manuel and McEwen were remanded in custody without plea and were scheduled to reappear in court on December 20.
Outside court McEwen's foster brother, 28-year-old Stan Clifford told media McEwen had been taken in by his Moerewa family about the age of 15.
"I will support him right until the end," he said.
He said his heart went out to the kidnap and rape victims.
"I could not think of anything worse to happen," he said.
Mr Clifford said he would be breaking the news of his brother's arrest to their mother today.
Community worker Mitch Rakatau has worked with violent men and was following the case with interest.
"I have real aroha for the young couple abused and abducted," he said.
"It seems to be a general feeling through the whole north -- we all feel it."
- NZPA
