Strickland was found injured outside a house in Ramsay Cres in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere just before midnight on October 13. He died at the scene.
Todd also faces a charge of injuring with intent in relation to the alleged assault of a woman in the same incident that led to Strickland’s death.
The two accused are both in custody.
They appeared via video link in separate procedural hearings in the High Court on Friday, with Justice Christine Grice sitting in Wellington and lawyers for the Crown and defence in a Napier courtroom and online.
Two weeks have been set down for the pair’s trial, which is scheduled to take place next February.
The next pre-trial hearing will be in June.
Strickland, 29, was described as a gentle giant in a family tribute after his death.
