Wellington, Jan 1 NZPA - Two restaurant workers appeared in New Plymouth District Court today charged with the rape of a Hawera woman.

Indian nationals Kumwar Singh, 34, and Kamal Singh, 30, were charged with sexually violating a 22-year-old Hawera woman early on Christmas Day.

Justice of the Peace Tom Ryder released both men on bail, with strict conditions, including a 24-hour curfew.

They must also surrender their passports and any travel documents.

Both men, who live in Hawera, deny the charges, lawyer Barry Henderson told the court.

While police initially believed that the victim had been raped at a carpark near St Joseph's Church in Hawera, they now say the alleged rapes occurred at a house in the town.

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