Woman charged with interfering with human remains remanded on bail

A woman has appeared in court over misconduct relating to burials at Auckland's largest cemetery.

The 48-year-old former funeral director was arrested in Favona on Tuesday.

She has been charged with interfering with human remains, and eight counts of obtaining by deception.

The accused appeared for the first time at the Auckland District Court on Thursday.

She has been remanded on bail without plea.

An application for interim name suppression based on grounds of mental health has been declined by Judge Steve Bonnar.

Several media outlets opposed the application for name suppression, arguing that the "horse has bolted" with extensive previous reporting on the high profile story and publication of her name.

Judge Bonnar accepted this view and also said he has not received any medical evidence of relating to the accused's mental health.

However the accused cannot yet be named, pending an appeal.