The police prosecutor said CCTV footage indicated the man was under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the night Jacob was run over.
The man, a Chinese national, was assisted by a Mandarin translator. He has been a resident in New Zealand for eight-and-a-half years and his wife is also a resident.
He has two children who are New Zealand citizens and is employed as a fulltime truck driver.
His lawyer argued for name suppression given one of the man's children is at school in the area. She also cited prejudice to a fair trial.
Hale considered that school would be "very challenging" for the child if the public was made aware of the defendant's identity. She granted interim name suppression until his next court date.
"It is important you have the opportunity of suppression in the interim," Hale said.
The man's lawyer also sought bail.
Police opposed this as they considered there was a high risk of the man leaving the country.
Hale said she took note of this opposition and also said she was not confident the man would meet bail conditions of not drinking or driving.
The man was remanded in custody without plea.