A 45-year-old Bay of Plenty man arrested for the murder of George Taiaroa will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

The man, who was arrested and charged with murder yesterday, made a brief appearance in New Plymouth District Court today, where he was remanded in custody without plea.

George Taiaroa was killed as he worked at a road construction site in Atiamuri in 2013. Video: Charlotte Curd/stuff.co.nz

Defence lawyer Susan Hughes QC requested an application for interim name suppression be granted.

She said the man lived in Rotorua, but had been arrested in Stratford and had not had time to inform his elderly parents of what had happened.

Judge Max Courtney initially intended to decline the request but Susan indicated she would appeal his decision.

This led to the judge granting interim name suppression until Monday, December 4, at 4pm.

This is when the murder accused will next appear in the High Court in New Plymouth.

Susan is hoping to get the case transferred to the High Court in Rotorua following a transfer application this afternoon.