A well-known New Zealander has pleaded not guilty to sexual abuse and requested a trial by jury.

He appeared in the North Shore District Court this afternoon via audio-visual link.

He is charged with indecent assault, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. The charge relates to a single male victim. The offending is alleged to occurred more than 25 years ago.

The man was remanded in custody until a case review hearing on December 16.

Where to get help:
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email [email protected]
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
• Contact HELP Auckland on 0800 623 1700
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues such as sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.