The man accused of killing roadworker George Taiaroa in 2013 has entered a not guilty plea.
Quinton Winders, 45, was arrested last month and charged with the murder.
George Taiaroa, 67, died after being shot while operating a stop-go sign at Atiamuri in March 2013.
Winders appeared in court with his lawyer, who entered the not guilty plea for him while he sat in the dock.
Justice Timothy Brewer has set down four weeks for the trial, which will begin in August next year.
He has been remanded in custody until then after being refused bail at an earlier hearing.