Kahui relative on sex charges

The man accused of brutally attacking a Pukekohe woman in her home is related to the murdered Kahui twins.

The High Court at Auckland has lifted a name suppression order on Roger Tira Kahui, who is charged with the sexual violation and kidnapping of a 37-year-old administration manager on June 13.

The woman was subjected to what police called a "chilling and depraved" attack over several hours in her home.

Her alleged attacker was a first cousin of Chris and Cru Kahui's grandfather, William "Banjo" Kahui, a relative said.

The 3-month-old twins lived some of their short lives at Banjo Kahui's Clendon home, and he is among the 'tight 12" group of people who had contact with the babies before they died.

The twins were taken to hospital with severe brain injuries on the same day Kahui is alleged to have tricked his way into the woman's home and subjected her to hours of abuse.

The Weekend Herald understands Kahui was released from custody five weeks earlier. A Waitakere District Court judge remanded him in custody on April 3 but he was released by a High Court judge on May 5.

For legal reasons, the Weekend Herald cannot say why he was being held in custody.

Kahui was living under a Parnell bridge when he was arrested.

He is also charged with threatening to kill the Pukekohe woman, wounding with intent, aggravated robbery and unlawful sexual connection.

His connection to Chris and Cru Kahui was confirmed by a brother on the day he appeared in court.

Ohotu Kahui said he had spoken to his brother about three weeks before he was arrested on June 22.

"He was still living on the streets, under the Parnell bridge," Mr Kahui said.

The brothers had "had a couple of beers", he said, adding that the news would come as a shock to their mother.

"I'll probably just pray for him," he said.

Roger Kahui's father was dead. He had a son aged about 18.

Ohotu Kahui said the family was "born and bred" in Pukekohe.

He said the twins' father, Chris Kahui, used to "go with my stepdaughter" and once lived with his family, although he had not seen his second cousin since the twins died.

Police investigating the twins death have not made an arrest.

Fiona King, half-sister of the twins' mother, Macsyna King, said Roger Kahui was not connected to the homicide inquiry, but his arrest would upset the Kahui family.

Police charge sheets gave a Pukekohe address for Roger Kahui, but family members refused to comment when approached.