Wanted diplomat Muhammad Rizalman escorted on to flight

Mohammed Rizalman bin Ismail. Photo / Supplied

Wanted diplomat Muhammad Rizalman Ismail was escorted on to a flight from Malaysia today and is set to arrive at Auckland Airport tonight before facing charges in Wellington tomorrow.

Mr Rizalman is accused of burglary and assault with intent to rape Tania Billingsley at her home on May 9.

Responding to media query, the Malaysian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed Rizalman was on his way to New Zealand, and had left Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

"We confirm that Encik Rizalman flew this morning via MH133 to New Zealand," a spokesman said.

"He is expected to complete his journey and arrive at Wellington on Saturday morning New Zealand time."

He was accompanied by two New Zealand police officers and two Malaysian armed forces personnel, the ministry said.

Rizalman was a former defence staff assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia.

The Herald understands his wife and children will not be returning with him to New Zealand.