Police arrest man for 2001 rape

A man was arrested today for the alleged rape of a young woman in the Parnell Rose Gardens in 2001.

The woman, who now lives overseas, was allegedly abducted from O'Connell St in the city at about 11.45pm on August 25, 2001, and driven to the gardens where she says she was raped. She later approached a security guard at a nearby hotel who called police.

A newly-formed Auckland City police team - set up last month exclusively to investigate and manage the district's adult sexual assault complaints - arrested the man.

Detective Sergeant Andy King said the alleged victim had been notified of today's development and was extremely grateful for the progress made.

The accused lives in the One Tree Hill suburb and is a machinery operator.

It is expected he will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow charged with abduction and sexual violation by rape.

- NZHERALD STAFF