A Rotorua father accused of murdering his 5-year-old son will stand trial next June.
William James Sio, 25, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua today via an audio visual link from prison.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder and a further joint charge of ill-treatment/neglect of a child under 18 years.
The murder charge relates to the death of 5-year-old Ferro-James Sio who died on February 8.
A number of people filled the public gallery for today's appearance.