A senior Northland police officer charged after a woman made a complaint of sexual abuse has appeared in court for the first time.

The case was called in the North Shore District Court this morning.

He was excused from appearing in court in person today.

The man is facing two counts of indecent assault and one of sexual violation.

Heavy suppression orders were put in place preventing the Herald from publishing the man's name or any specific details of the offending.

The officer was stood down in April once the criminal investigation started.

He was charged last month.

There is also a parallel employment investigation, as well as a separate inquiry by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

He was remanded on bail until his next appearance on February 12.