Great Barrier kidnap accused in court

Nathan Boulter appeara at the Auckland District Court to be remanded in custody following the incident on Great Barrier Island, Auckland. Photo / NZPA

A 21-year-old Southland man appeared in Auckland District Court today on a raft of charges following an alleged kidnapping on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf over the weekend.

Nathan Boulter, from Riverton, 39km northwest of Invercargill, made a brief appearance in court this afternoon and was remanded in custody until February 14.

Boulter appeared in court wearing a prison-issue vest with a large graze on the left side of his face.

His former girlfriend, Nortessa Montgomerie, 20, was found by police on Saturday after an alleged kidnapping ordeal that began on the island on Thursday night.

Boulter entered no plea when he appeared on four charges - aggravated burglary, aggravated wounding, kidnapping and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The maximum penalty for each offence is 14 years' prison.

Ms Montgomerie's new boyfriend was allegedly hit on the head with a weapon at her father's Great Barrier Island home.

Ms Montgomerie, 20, was yesterday released from Auckland Hospital and reunited with her partner.

Police have said more serious charges are likely to be laid.

Boulter's lawyer, Paul Gruar, made an application in chambers to prohibit publication of facts of the alleged offending because he said it could prejudice a future trial.

He also expressed concern about camera in court applications made by various media organisations.

But Judge David Wilson said there had been no application for name suppression and he did not think publication of the allegations would cause any prejudice.

"The facts are firmly an issue, but the time for that to be tested is not now," Judge Wilson said.

Mr Gruar argued that the allegations only related to one side of the story.

"These matters are in dispute and will be defended," Mr Gruar said.

- NZPA