Heath Eric Morris, of Woodend, initially denied murdering Oliver Johnston, whose body was found in a North Canterbury paddock in June 2018. (Video first published in September 2018)

A teenager accused of murdering his friend and allegedly not raising the alarm for up to five days will keep his name secret for the time being.

The 18-year-old appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday accused of the murder of Oliver Johnston, whose body was found at a rural Canterbury property on Saturday.

Judge Paul Kellar granted the 18-year-old, who is in custody and appeared from prison by video link, interim name suppression on the basis naming him would cause him extreme hardship.

FACEBOOK The body of 20-year-old Oliver Johnston was found at a property on Jelfs Rd, Woodend, in June last year.

He remanded the teenager to appear in the High Court at Christchurch on July 20.

Johnston, 20, also known as Oliver Greene, had been missing five days when police were called to a Jelfs Rd, Woodend, address on Thursday.

Stuff understands a teenager told his parents there was a body wrapped in a blanket in a field at the property, after an assault the previous Saturday, June 23.

DAVID WALKER/STUFF Detectives found Oliver Johnston's body at a Woodend property on Saturday after they were called there on Thursday.

Police found the blanket and evidence of a "very serious" assault. Not wanting to disturb the scene, it was not until Friday investigators found there was no body with the blanket.

After a detailed search, a body was found at the 4-hectare property on Saturday. A hearse arrived at the scene about 1.30pm and took the body away. In a statement, police said the Coroner had been advised.

On Sunday night, police confirmed the body was Johnston's and charged the 18-year-old with murder. The charge sheet alleged the teenager murdered Johnston some time between June 23 and Thursday.

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF Defence lawyer James Rapley leaves the Christchurch Justice & Emergency Services Precinct.

At court on Monday, defence counsel James Rapley said his client was only 18, which would be a significant factor in a bail application he wished to prepare.

Rapley asked for name suppression because he had not yet had the opportunity to discuss matters with the young man, nor with health professionals who may consider the case. He asked for suppression to "preserve his position".

With police inquiries continuing it was important to ensure there was no "contamination and mixing of memories", Rapley said.

Police prosecutor Steve Burdes said police did not oppose the interim name suppression.

Police scene guards remained at the Woodend property on Sunday and tape was across the entrance to the home. The investigation was ongoing, as was an examination of the Jelfs Rd property.

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Worner earlier said several people associated with the property were being spoken to as part of the inquiry.

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@stuff.co.nz

The large farmhouse is at the rear of the section, with a paddock in front and several horses.

Anyone with information on the assault or Johnston's final movements was asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 4872.