The Tasman man charged with murdering policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming in Nelsonin the early hours of New Year’s Day will keep his name secret for another week.

The 32-year-old has appeared in the Nelson District Court where Judge Richard Russell remanded him in custody without plea until February 14.

He faces eight charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault using a vehicle as a weapon, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Defence lawyer John Sandston asked for interim name suppression to be granted so he could inform a relative overseas about the charges.

He argued it would be “utterly unfair for somebody closely related to this defendant to not know what is happening and to find out through the media”.

Crown prosecutor Mark O’Donoghue said he didn’t oppose the move, but that strong grounds would be needed for it to continue past the second appearance.

Judge Russell granted interim name suppression until midday next Friday, January 10.

Before the hearing, police asked the public for any video footage of the incident leading to the 62-year-old’s death and have set up a website where people can submit photographs and video to help the investigation.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said, “We are all struggling to understand why this has happened.

“As the investigation progresses we expect that further charges will follow.

“I thank the investigation team who have worked around the clock to get us to this point.”

He said investigators were continuing to speak to witnesses.

Chambers said Fleming was the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty in New Zealand. She was also the first police officer to be killed while on duty in Nelson, he said.

Chambers said Fleming’s family wanted to acknowledge Nelson Hospital, the members of the public who went to help her and her injured colleagues, and all other victims of the violent incident.

Fleming was injured alongside her colleague, Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay, and another officer yet to be publicly identified when a car was rammed into her and a police car. Two members of the public were also injured.

Police cordon off a carpark in central Nelson where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and her colleagues were patrolling in the early hours of New Year's Day. Photo / Tim Cuff

She and her colleagues had been doing foot patrols in central Nelson when they were allegedly set upon with the vehicle in Buxton Square about 2.10am.

Fleming succumbed to her injuries in hospital surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Chambers said.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell (left) and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers (centre) speak to media on the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Tim Cuff

He said Ramsay’s condition in hospital had improved and he “is beginning his recovery journey”. The members of the public injured were also continuing to recover, he said.

Chambers said they were doing everything they could to support Fleming’s family, but described it as an “incredibly difficult time for them as they come to terms with what has happened”.

He said police had been “extremely heartened” by the response from the local community and across New Zealand and thanked those who had delivered flowers, cards and “thousands of messages”.

“The coming days, weeks and months are going to be tough for the staff in Nelson as they come to terms with what has happened, but it is an absolute priority for police that we wrap support around the staff directly impacted as well as the wider station.”

Yesterday morning, iwi from throughout Te Tau Ihu blessed the scene in Buxton Square.

Detective Inspector Lex Bruning, the criminal investigations manager for the Tasman district, said police would be canvassing the area and asking for security camera footage.

Bruning said anyone with information about the incident should contact police.

“If any businesses think they may have relevant CCTV then we would ask that they please get in touch with Nelson Police.

“Anyone with information can contact police online or via 105 quoting file number 250101/1197."

Community pays tribute

Floral tributes and candles were left outside Nelson police station yesterday morning to honour Fleming’s life.

The flag at the station is flying at half-mast.

Those leaving messages thanked Fleming for her 38 years serving the community as a police officer.

“A devastating day for our community. Arohanui to Lyn’s whānau, colleagues and friends,” one read.

“I am so devastated that your life was stolen from you while you were at work keeping your community safe,” said another.

Tributes left at the Nelson police station for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett

Others have offered support to the police in general, with messages like: “Back the blue beyond the thin blue line.”

The Rev Steve Jordan, of Christ Church Cathedral, said the community was in shock and grieving and would take some time to recover from the “horror” that unfolded.

“Nelson is a tight community, it is a very small city, it’s generally a very happy, peaceful place so the shockwaves will ripple out for some time yet.”

Police officers and first responders, including Tasman district commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson, joined the Black Caps on the pitch in Nelson to pay tribute to Fleming yesterday afternoon.

Officers with bowed heads lined the field to honour their colleague at the start of the match, as the crowd gathered at Nelson’s Saxton Oval for the third T20 international against Sri Lanka were invited to stand and observe a moment’s silence.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

Katrina Bennett is the Herald’s head of Wellington news.