Prosecutor Lisa Thomson said police would oppose continuing suppression and were in favour of publishing the man's image, a break from the neutral stance the prosecution normally adopts.
The man faces eight charges over last Friday's attack on a 65-year-old woman who lived alone.
It's alleged she was subjected to an assault lasting hours after her attacker knocked on her Waihemo St door claiming he was looking for his daughter, at about 6am.
The man entered no pleas to three charges of sexual violation and one each of rape, making the woman unconscious with intent to commit rape, threatening to kill, detaining her without consent and unlawfully entering her property.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
He didn't make a bid for bail and Judge Denys Barry kept him in custody until his next appearance next month. The man's name is suppressed until then.
Police launched a huge manhunt after the assault, including an extensive door-to-door push for information.
Kapiti Mana area commander Paul Basham said yesterday the alleged attacker was tracked down through "good old-fashioned police work".
The victim meanwhile was being comforted by family members.
"She has been incredibly brave and is holding up as well as can be expected," a police statement says.