New DNA evidence has led to a Whanganui man being charged with rape after an attack 17 years ago.
A 27-year-old woman was found in distress on a beach in February 1998 after leaving a bar in Napier in the early morning.
No arrests were made at the time but now a 37-year-old man has been charged with rape, abduction, threatening to kill and aggravated assault.
He has been remanded in custody and will reappear at the Wanganui District Court on 15 April.
Police said the victim was emotional but relieved after learning about the arrest, and was now in the care of Victim Support.
