An 18-year-old Tauranga man has been remanded in custody for two weeks without plea following his arrest on Tuesday on charges of raping one woman and assaulting another with a knife.

His name remains suppressed until the next appearance on January 22.

An 18-year-old has been remanded in custody on rape and assault charges.

Lawyer Tony Balme sought interim suppression on the basis that other charges are pending and there may be identification issues.

In a news release on the Greerton man's arrest, police allege the man raped another woman in July last year.

Judge Robert Wolff granted name suppression saying it would have to be properly defended on January 22 if it was to continue.

A Tongan interpreter was in court during the man's appearance.