John Kenneth Collins (38) appeared in the High Court at Dunedin this morning after pleading not guilty to the murder of Brent Andrew Bacon.
The 45-year-old victim's body was found at a rural location north of Waitati on February 18 last year, which led police to a crime scene in Lock St, St Clair.
Mr Collins admitted taking Mr Bacon's blue Toyota people mover on February 5 that year.
It was later found in Picton.
The defendant would remain in custody until next year's trial.