A 44-year old woman has appeared in Rotorua District Court charged with assaulting Michelle Hoffman-Tamm, who went missing 16 days ago.
The Rotorua woman, who was granted interim name suppression, did not enter a plea when she appeared before a Community Magistrate and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on December 3.
Police have stated further charges are likely.
Ms Hoffman-Tamm, 51, disappeared after leaving her Phillip St home by bicycle to visit a friend on November 7.
Police said last night they were examining a rural spot close to SH38 between Rotorua and Murupara, while a house in Rotorua was also undergoing forensic examination.