While he was being held at New Plymouth Police Station, four women sat in the courtroom's public gallery in support of the accused.
Defence lawyer Julian Hannam sought interim name suppression in the interest of his client's mental health. Police did not oppose a short period of suppression and Judge Phillip Cooper granted the application.
No bid for bail was made but Hannam said an application for electronically-monitored bail at an address outside of Taranaki would be made at a later date.
The defendant was remanded back into custody without plea and will appear in the High Court on July 29.
In a statement, Police have acknowledged Field's family "during this difficult time".
"Emma was a young woman who had her entire life ahead of her, which was tragically cut short," Detective Inspector Brent Matuku said.
Matuku also acknowledged the staff, who he said have worked tirelessly throughout this "difficult investigation", including forensic fire investigators.
"I'd also like to thank the New Plymouth community for their support and assistance with providing information to Police."
As the matter is now before the court, Police would not make any further comment.