Man accused in Boxing Day kidnapping can now be named

The man charged with the Boxing Day kidnapping of a young woman later found dead on an Auckland motorway can now be named.

Jovan Aroha Zachariah Pora appeared at the Manukau District Court this morning, where his plea hearing was adjourned for prosecutors to weigh up his final charges.

The 20-year-old stood in the dock in a white dress shirt and looked at his family members sitting in the public gallery.

He was charged with kidnapping after a young woman was found dead in a crashed car on Auckland’s State Highway 20 in the early hours of December 26, 2022.

Police launched a homicide investigation soon afterwards.

The scene of the Boxing Day 2022 incident. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Pora’s lawyer Vivienne Feyen told the court this morning he was not seeking continued suppression.

Judge Jim Large allowed his suppression to lapse, but ordered continued protection of the deceased’s name and any identifying details.

Pora was expected to enter a plea today, but police sought an adjournment for another three weeks.

“Officers are yet to speak to the Crown to determine whether the charges are to be upgraded to manslaughter or murder,” the police prosecutor told the court.

She said key witnesses had been interviewed but not further witnesses.

Pora is also charged with driving while forbidden, and refusing officers’ request for blood in the same incident.

He is due to appear in court for a bail hearing next week.

Pora’s family members and friends filled the courtroom to near capacity, shouting “Love you!” as they stood to leave.