A man has denied a charge of murder after a woman was found dead on a south Auckland roadside.

The 24-year-old Manurewa man, who is named in court documents only as Akash, appeared in the High Court at Auckland this morning where his name suppression lapsed.

His lawyer Jane Northwood entered a not guilty plea to murder (specifically with a stabbing or cutting weapon).

She said a bail application would likely be made in the near future.

The victim was a 22-year-old woman, who was found dead in Hampton Downs, south of Auckland.

It is believed her death was domestic-related and officers confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.

Akash will appear in court again in June.

A trial was set for February next year.