Cissy Chen murder-accused makes bail bid

An Auckland man accused of killing his partner Cissy Chen will make a bid for bail before going on trial for her murder.

Yun Qing "Jack" Liu, 57, appeared in the High Court at Auckland today, where he had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.

Justice Ailsa Duffy adjourned today's hearing for further information to be canvassed.

Liu's next bail hearing will take place once those reports were completed.

Last month defence lawyer Michael Kan successfully applied for a delay in Liu's trial, which was originally scheduled to begin in October.

The trial will now take place in February or May.

Ms Chen, 44, was last seen alive on November 5, 2012, after leaving the accountancy firm she worked at and driving home to the North Shore.

Police found her body in late March after a contractor mowing the lawns at Totaravale Reserve discovered a ribcage and a skull in a drain.

Most of the rest of Ms Chen's remains were found nearby and Liu was arrested and charged with the murder in early April.

Liu will remain in custody until his next appearance.

The trial is scheduled to last at least four weeks.