The man's new lawyer, Christopher Stevenson, today said he had only just been assigned to the case and needed more time to address the issue of suppression.
Justice Simon France agreed to continue name suppression until callover in February.
He set a potential trial date for November next year. The defendant is meanwhile being held in custody.
Bella died at a property in Whanganui on November 7, 2016, and the accused is known but not related to her.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett hoped the charge would bring some closure for Bella's family.
"This has been a protracted investigation due to the complex nature of the medical evidence," he said.
"I would like to thank all those who helped with the investigation."
