The murder case in relation to the death of a five-year-old Te Puna boy will head to trial next year.

Malachi Subecz was found with injuries at a Te Puna property on November 1.

He was initially treated in Tauranga Hospital before being airlifted to Starship Hospital in Auckland, where he died on November 12.

Police arrested two sisters following an investigating into the child's death.

During today's court appearance, Michaela Barriball pleaded not guilty to one count each of murder, injures with intent to injure and wounds with intent to cause grievous bodily harm during today's court appearance.

The 27-year-old is also facing a charge of ill-treatment of a child, to which she pleaded not guilty to during a previous court hearing.

The murder accused appeared in Tauranga High Court today via AVL from Christchurch Prison where she is currently remanded in custody.

Her sister Sharron Barriball, 37, is facing a charge of willfully attempting to pervert the course of justice.

She is denying the charge and has been remanded on bail.

A three-week trial at Hamilton High Court will start on May 5, 2023.

A case review will be held on April 6, 2022.

Both women will be expected to attend the review in person unless not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Anyone who had contact with Malachi over the past two or three months is encouraged to contact police by phoning 105 and quoting the file number 211001/6453.