KEY POINTS:
Name suppression lapsed today for a 32-year-old man accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Porirua police officer Derek Wootton.
Andrew Popo, of no fixed abode, appeared in Porirua District Court today. He has also been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop after a motor accident, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Popo, shaven-headed and of medium build, stood impassively with his arms folded during his appearance and did not speak.
He has not pleaded to the charges and was represented today by Christopher Stevenson.
Judge David Holderness remanded him in custody to appear again on August 8.
Mr Wootton, a sergeant, died while laying road spikes to stop a Honda Prelude during a police chase in Titahi Bay at 3am last Friday.
His funeral will be held tomorrow at the Royal New Zealand Police College at Porirua.
Staff will be brought in from outside the Kapiti Mana police area to continue policing duties while the funeral is being held.
Hundreds of mourners, including some from overseas, are expected to attend the service.
Mr Wootton's family, many friends, MPs and several hundred police colleagues will celebrate the life of the hugely respected frontline supervisor at the service which starts at 1.30pm in the college gymnasium.
The service will be led by Father Pene Patelehio, officiating Porirua police chaplain and family priest, assisted by Padre David Dell, chaplain from the Royal New Zealand Police College.
Police Minister Annette King, Pacific Island Affairs Minister and local MP Luamanvuvao Winnie Laban, Police Commissioner Howard Broad and other service personnel, including police representatives from Australia, will be among the dignitaries attending.
Mr Wootton's police colleagues from throughout Kapiti Mana, particularly his home station of Porirua, and his former station of Upper Hutt, will attend to pay their last respects to a friend and workmate.
Eulogies will be delivered by Mr Wootton's partner, Bronwyn Hewitt, brothers John and Dave, niece Ashleigh Wootton and close friend John Ryan. Police speakers will be Mr Broad, Kapiti Mana area police commander Inspector John Spence and Sergeant Dean Silvester, of Porirua police.
- NZPA
