The accused’s lawyer, Andy Hill, asked that his client be granted interim name suppression until his next court appearance on the grounds of extreme hardship and safety.
Community Magistrate Shaun Cole said she was able to grant the man interim suppression in the first instance but Hill would need to present arguments at the next court date as to why it should continue.
There were several members of the public in court for the appearance.
Cole remanded the accused man on bail with a curfew between 5pm and 6.30am.
Other bail conditions included that he not offer violence to anyone, not consume alcohol and not make contact with anyone relating to the case.
He is also not allowed to go within 500m of a specific Western Heights Rd address in Rotorua.
The accused man will next appear in the Rotorua District Court on May 20 for a case review hearing.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.