The man accused of killing Tokoroa school teacher Lois Dear is to undergo a psychiatric assessment.
In the High Court at Rotorua on Thursday, Whetu Te Hiko was remanded to Waikato's Henry Bennett Centre until late February.
The assessment of the 23-year-old will commence from January 15 and run for two weeks.
The report from it will not focus on whether Te Hiko was sane at the time of the July murder at Strathmore Primary, but whether he can stand trial.
Justice Paul Heath stated findings are to be considered at a February 23 court appearance and a plea should then be entered.
Lois Dear's family say they are disappointed the case hasn't been resolved before Christmas.
Advertisement
Latest Breakfast Video
-
te-karere-121111-fri - te-karere-121111-fri (0:22:30)
-
Marae Investigates - Series 2012, Episode 13
-
Marae Investigates - Series 2011, Episode 15 (0:29:10)
