A man has been arrested and charged in relation to the abduction of a young girl in Palmerston North last week.

The man appeared in the Rotorua District Court today and has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Palmerston North District Court next month.

Inspector Sarah Stewart said she hopes the development provides reassurance to the community.

She thanked the community for its support and assistance throughout the investigation.

A number of suppression orders were made in court, preventing any further details being released about the man.

The arrest is being welcomed by the Palmerston North community.

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith hopes it will make parents begin to feel safe about allowing their children to walk to school again.

The principal of the school the girl attended says the news of an arrest is a relief.