A MAN charged with the murder of an unarmed policeman that shocked New Zealand made a brief court appearance in Auckland today.

Constable Matthew Hunt, 28, was gunned down during a traffic stop yesterday, and the killing has stunned the normally peaceful country, where police do not routinely carry firearms.

He is the 23rd officer to be shot dead in the line of duty in New Zealand since 1890, with the previous fatal shooting more than 10 years ago.

All details surrounding the identity of the 24-year-old suspect are suppressed.

He spoke briefly to confirm his name, but otherwise remained silent and did not enter a plea during the brief hearing, in which he was remanded in custody to reappear early next month.

The man appeared via video link from another part of the courthouse due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Police have confirmed that they are still searching for a 30-year-old woman, who is wanted as an accessory after the fact to the murder.

Hunt, who joined the force three years ago and only recently transferred to the traffic enforcement division, was approaching a crashed car when the gunman opened fire.

Another officer was wounded and a bystander seriously injured when the attacker drove off in another vehicle.

Crown prosecutor David Johnstone told the court that the case is of high public interest and sought “somewhat extensive suppression orders” – including the names of the accused, injured officer and member of the public who was hurt in the incident.

He said the suppression is to “protect the integrity of the investigation”, and that police have a “significant amount of work to do” on the inquiry. – AFP, June 20, 2020.