Wellington, Aug 3 NZPA - The Auckland health worker charged with numerous sex offences against girls was named today.

Dion Selwyn Tau, 41, of Glen Eden, appeared in Waitakere District Court facing 18 charges, alleging threatening to kill, abduction and sexual violation offences, relating to six complainants.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear tomorrow for a bail hearing.

The alleged offences occurred across the Auckland region dating back to January 2007, Waitemata police crime services manager Detective Inspector Bruce Scott said.

Of the 18 charges, 15 related to four girls aged between 13 and 17.

The charges included abduction, assault with intent to commit sexual violation, sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, burglary, threatening to kill and attempted abduction.

One charge alleged he posed as a truancy officer and sexually attacked a girl 15-year-old girl in her home November last year.

Mr Scott said today's arrest was a significant development in the investigation.

"There might well be other young women who now wish to speak to police about their interactions with this man." Mr Scott said.